# Lesson 26: Write Instructions or How-To Steps

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟣 D. Functional Writing

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## Objective

I can write clear how-to instructions with a short purpose line, a materials list, and numbered steps that use sequence words (first, next, then, finally) and imperatives (action verbs).

## Materials

- Pencil ✏️ or keyboard
- Ruled paper or tablet
- Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Start each step with a verb. Keep steps short. Add safety or cleanup at the end if needed.

## Mini-lesson — What makes good how-to writing?

1. Purpose: Tell what the reader will make or do.
2. Materials: List what’s needed before starting.
3. Numbered steps: Use first, next, then, finally. Begin each step with an action verb (mix, fold, attach).
4. Details where needed: Add times, amounts, or cautions to avoid confusion.
5. Test it: Read your steps aloud; ask, “Could someone follow this exactly?”

Video won’t be included when printing.

## Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then draft a short how-to: How to make a paper airplane (5 steps):

- Key words: materials, fold, crease, launch, finally
- Example outline:
  1. Purpose & Materials
  2. First, fold the paper in half lengthwise.
  3. Next, fold the top corners to the center crease.
  4. Then, fold the wings down evenly.
  5. Finally, test and adjust the tips.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build Clear How-To Steps

Drag chips into slots to make clear, numbered instruction sentences. Keep punctuation at the end.

First gather your paper and a flat table.
Next fold the paper in half lengthwise.
Then press the crease firmly with your fingers.
Now fold the top corners to the center line.
After that fold both wings down evenly.
Then pinch the back to make a strong spine.
If the nose bends up trim a tiny bit with scissors.
Finally launch the plane gently and adjust the wings.
Write a materials list before you start the steps.
Use numbers so readers follow the order easily.
Add cautions like be careful with hot pans.
End with cleaning up or storing materials safely.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) What belongs near the beginning of a how-to?

A long opinion paragraph A materials list The final warning

#### 2) Which sentence uses an imperative?

I am folding the paper. The paper was folded. Fold the paper in half.

#### 3) Best order words for steps:

First, Next, Then, Finally Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Green, Blue, Red

#### 4) Which line is most helpful to readers?

Make it good. Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C. That looks nice.

#### 5) Where do safety tips usually go?

Only in the title Never include them In steps where danger could happen

#### 6) Which heading fits how-to writing?

Materials Characters Setting

#### 7) Choose the clearest step.

Do it the same as before. Stir the sauce for 2 minutes. It might be done soon.

#### 8) Good how-to steps should be…

long stories jokes short, direct actions

#### 9) Which is a purpose line?

“In this guide, you will build a bookmark.” “My weekend was fun.” “Books are interesting.”

#### 10) What helps readers follow the order?

Fancy adjectives Numbers and sequence words Rhyming words

#### 11) Which sentence adds a useful detail?

Paint it pretty. Cook it good. Measure 1 cup of water.

#### 12) Best way to begin a step:

Cut Maybe cutting I cut

#### 13) If a step is unsafe, you should…

hide it add a caution make it longer

#### 14) What should readers be able to do after your how-to?

Follow the steps successfully Memorize your life story Define every verb

#### 15) Best closing step:

Talk about yesterday. Add more random steps. Finally, clean up and store tools safely.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear purpose and materials listed Numbered steps with sequence words Steps begin with imperative verbs Useful details (time, amount, cautions) included

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write clear how-to steps 🙂 I need more practice adding details 😅 It was tricky to keep steps in order

#### I will practice…

Using action verbs to start steps Adding times/amounts when needed Reading aloud to test clarity
Lesson 27 →