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Writing · Level 1 · Years 1 and 2 · Unit 5 of 6 · Instructions

Simple instructions

Children write short instructions for making something, using bossy verbs and numbered steps.

6sessions
30 to 40minutes each
Years 1 and 2ages 6 to 8
Pre-A1 to A1CEFR
By the end

Children write a title, a list of what you need and four or five numbered steps that start with a bossy verb.

How the unit runs

6 sessions, 8 parts

Every writing unit follows the same eight parts: read, talk, learn the sentence skill, plan, write together, write alone, check, publish. This unit fits them into 6 sessions of about 30 to 40 minutes.

SessionPartsWhat happens
Session 1Part 1: Read and enjoy + Part 2: Talk itRead and enjoy "How to make a jam sandwich". Find 3 features to notice. Oral rehearsal games: Simon says, in writing, Order the steps, Do exactly what it says.
Session 2Part 3: Sentence skillTeach the sentence skill: Bossy verbs for instructions.
Session 3Part 4: PlanPlan on the frame: my instructions plan.
Session 4Part 5: Shared writeThe teacher models the writing, thinking aloud.
Session 5Part 6: Independent writeChildren write independently, with support and stretch.
Session 6Part 7: Check + Part 8: PublishCheck against the success criteria and the editing checklist. Publish for a real reader on the printable template.
Curriculum link. Year 2 composition: writing for different purposes, planning or saying out loud what to write, writing down key words. Appendix 2: command; verb. Sources: see the end of this page.
Part 1 of 8

Read and enjoy a model text

Read it aloud first, or press the button. Talk about what the writer has done before anyone writes. This text was written for Litlings and is free to copy for your class.

How to make a jam sandwich · Instructions

How to make a jam sandwich. You need: bread, jam, a knife and a plate. One, get two slices of bread. Two, spread jam on one slice. Three, put the other slice on top. Four, cut it in half. Five, eat it!

What to notice

  • How to make a jam sandwichA title tells the reader what they will make.
  • You needList the things first, so the reader can gather them.
  • Get, spread, put, cut, eatEach step begins with a bossy verb and comes in order.
Part 2 of 8

Talk it: oral rehearsal

Talk comes before writing. Children say the sentences, then the paragraph, before the pencil moves.

Simon says, in writing

Give an instruction as a bossy verb: Hop. Clap. Spin. Children do it. Then write a few on the board.

Order the steps

Cut up a set of instructions into strips. Children put them in the right order and read aloud.

Do exactly what it says

A child reads an instruction; the adult follows it exactly. Missing steps cause funny mistakes. Fix the instructions.

Part 3 of 8

Sentence skill: Bossy verbs for instructions

Instructions start with a bossy verb (a command) that tells the reader what to do: cut, stir, press.

Teach it in four steps

  1. Think of the job you want to explain and say it in steps.
  2. Start each step with a bossy verb: get, put, stir.
  3. Number each step.
  4. Read it as if you were doing it. Is a step missing?

Examples

StartBecomes or shows
You can mix the paint.Mix the paint.
The water is poured in.Pour the water in.
Get a cup and a spoon.Get is the bossy verb.

Practise: Bossy verbs for instructions

Part 4 of 8

Plan: My instructions plan

Choose something to make. Plan what you need and the steps. Children say each part aloud to a partner first, then jot notes. Type here, or print the frame to use on paper. It prints on one A4 page.

Download PDF

Everything you type stays in this browser, on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Part 5 of 8

Shared write: the teacher models

A script for the teacher. Think aloud, make the choices visible, and make one deliberate slip to fix.

  1. SayI will tell you how to make a fruit cup. First, the title: How to make a fruit cup.
  2. Dowrite the title. Say: now what you need: fruit, a cup, a spoon.
  3. Saystep one, get a cup. Do: write 1, then Get a cup.
  4. Saystep two, cut the fruit. I wrote cut first because it is a bossy verb.
  5. Saystep three, put the fruit in the cup. Step four, eat it.
  6. Doread it again as if you were doing it. Say: is anything missing? Now you plan yours.
Part 6 of 8

Independent write

The task

Write instructions for making something simple. Give a title, say what you need, and write four or five numbered steps.

Sentence starters

  • How to make ___.
  • You need ___.
  • 1. Get ___.
  • 2. Put ___.
  • 3. ___ the ___.
  • 4. Eat ___.

Word bank

  • get
  • put
  • cut
  • stir
  • mix
  • pour
  • spread
  • press
  • wash
  • dry

Support

Give picture steps in order. Children write a bossy verb sentence under each.

Stretch

Add a warning: Be careful with the knife. Add an adverb: Stir slowly.

English as an additional or foreign language. Use real objects and act each step. Children say the bossy verb as they mime it, then write.

Part 7 of 8

Check: success criteria and editing

Children read their writing aloud, tick what they have done and fix what they have not. Ticks are saved on this device only.

Success criteria
Editing checklist

Printable Level 1 editing checklist

Part 8 of 8

Publish for a real reader

Make and swap instruction cards. A partner follows them exactly, and the writer fixes any step that did not work.

Printable template: Instructions

One A4 page, blank for handwriting. Print from the browser or download the PDF.

Download PDF

Keep going

In this course

Elsewhere on the site

Sources

Curriculum statements are paraphrased from the documents above. Model texts and activities are original to Litlings.