Students will have fun engaging in activities that develop their ability to write sequential step-by-step directions. This lesson helps young learners with being detailed and using transition words in their writing.
Students will be able to successfully write sequential step-by step directions that include an introduction and conclusion.
Introduction
(10 minutes)
Tell students that today, they will be learning how to write directions that are easy to follow.
Ask for two volunteers to come up to the front of the class. One person will give directions while the other person follows the directions. The person following the directions will be drawing on the whiteboard with a marker.
Direct the person that is drawing to face the whiteboard, with their back to the person giving directions. Explain that the person giving directions will not be allowed to turn around and view what the person following directions is drawing.
Write on a piece of paper: Give directions to draw a smiling face.
Show the paper to the person giving directions so the one drawing will not have any clues about what he will be drawing.
Begin the activity. Instruct the other students to stay quiet and not give any coaching with the directions. When the directions are done being given, let the student giving directions turn around and look at the results of his directions. (It is usually very surprising to see the drawing is not like what was originally envisioned.)
Discuss with the students how it is not as easy as one may think to give good directions. Stress the importance of using transition words like: first, next, and finally when giving directions. Point out that it is also important to use precise language to explain. This helps us communicate clearly.