Grade 3 · Writing · Lesson 26

Write Instructions or How-To Steps

Instructions are the most practical kind of writing there is — and the hardest to do well. A recipe, a craft guide, a science experiment, an assembly manual: all of these depend on the reader being able to follow the steps in exact order without confusion. One missing step, one vague verb, and the whole thing falls apart.

What this lesson teaches

1Write a clear how-to text with title, materials list, numbered steps, and finishing tip in order
2Begin each numbered step with an imperative verb that names one action
3List materials with specific quantities and sizes before Step 1
4Arrange instruction steps in the exact sequence a reader must follow
5Add a finishing tip that helps the reader check, store, or improve the result

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