How to Teach Creating Simple Instructions for a Friend (K-Grade 1)

📚 Getting Started: What are Instructions?

Instructions tell someone how to do something, step-by-step. They're like a recipe for building a LEGO car or drawing a funny face! When we write instructions, we need to be clear and simple so everyone can understand them. Let's teach our friends how to make awesome instructions!

🎯 Learning Objectives

🎯 Students will be able to define instructions and their purpose. 📝 Students will be able to identify the steps in a simple process. ✍️ Students will be able to create and illustrate instructions for a simple task.

🧱 Materials Needed

🧱 Building blocks or LEGOs 🖍️ Crayons or colored pencils 📃 Paper ✂️ Scissors (optional, for cutting out pictures) 🧸 A simple toy or object

☀️ Warm-up Activity (5 minutes): 'Simon Says'

Play a quick game of 'Simon Says' to get the students thinking about following instructions. This will help them understand how important it is to listen and follow the steps!

👂 Simon Says touch your nose. 🤸 Simon Says jump up and down. 👏 Simon Says clap your hands.

✏️ Main Instruction: Creating Simple Instructions

1. Choose a Task: Pick a very simple task that the children are familiar with. Examples: Drawing a circle, building a small tower with blocks, or putting on their shoes.
2. Brainstorm Steps: As a class, brainstorm all the steps involved in the task. Write these steps on the board. Example: 'Drawing a Circle' – Get a crayon, put the crayon on the paper, move the crayon in a circle, stop when the circle is finished.
3. Order the Steps: Help the children put the steps in the correct order. This is crucial! Number the steps on the board.
4. Write Instructions: Together, write out the instructions using simple words. Use action words like 'get,' 'put,' 'draw,' and 'stop.'
5. Add Pictures: For each step, draw a simple picture to show what to do. Pictures make the instructions even easier to understand!
6. Test the Instructions: Have one student follow the instructions to see if they work. If they get stuck, revise the instructions to make them clearer.

✅ Assessment: 'My Instructions Book'

Have each student choose their own simple task (e.g., drawing a star, making a sandwich, brushing their teeth). They should then write and illustrate instructions for that task, creating their own 'My Instructions Book'. This allows for individual expression and reinforces the lesson.

📚 Each page should have one instruction. 🖍️ Each instruction must have a picture. ✍️ Use simple, clear language.

⭐ Extension Activities

🎲 Play a board game: Board games naturally involve following instructions. 🎤 Give verbal instructions: Have students give each other simple instructions for tasks. 🧩 Complete a simple puzzle: Puzzles encourage following visual instructions.