Robot game
A child gives instructions to a classmate who acts like a robot and follows them exactly. Missing words cause funny results. Rewrite them.
Writing · Level 2 · Years 3 and 4 · Unit 3 of 6 · Instructions
Instructions with time connectives
Children write precise, ordered instructions that a stranger could follow, using time connectives, bossy verbs and helpful tips.
7sessions
45minutes each
Years 3 and 4ages 8 to 10
A1 to A2CEFR
By the end
Children write a title, equipment list and five to seven ordered steps with time connectives and one tip or warning.
How the unit runs
7 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 7 sessions of about 45 minutes.
| Session | Parts | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Part 1: Read and enjoy | Read and enjoy "How to plant a sunflower seed". Find 3 features to notice. |
| Session 2 | Part 2: Talk it | Oral rehearsal games: Robot game, Order the steps, Make it clearer. |
| Session 3 | Part 3: Sentence skill | Teach the sentence skill: Time connectives and commas. |
| Session 4 | Part 4: Plan | Plan on the frame: my instructions plan. |
| Session 5 | Part 5: Shared write | The teacher models the writing, thinking aloud. |
| Session 6 | Part 6: Independent write | Children write independently, with support and stretch. |
| Session 7 | Part 7: Check + Part 8: Publish | Check against the success criteria and the editing checklist. Publish for a real reader on the printable template. |
Curriculum link. Years 3 and 4 composition: discussing writing similar to that which they are planning to write; in non-narrative material, using simple organisational devices such as headings. Appendix 2: adverbs such as then, next, soon, therefore; fronted adverbials. 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 plant a sunflower seed. You will need: a seed, a pot, compost, a trowel and water.
First, fill the pot with compost to about two centimetres from the top. Next, make a hole with your finger, about as deep as your knuckle. After that, drop the seed in and cover it gently with compost. Then, water the soil until it feels damp but not soggy.
Finally, place the pot on a sunny windowsill. Remember to water it every two days, and soon a green shoot will appear. Be careful: a tall sunflower may need a stick to hold it up.
What to notice
- How to... / You will needA title and a list of equipment come first.
- First, Next, After that, Then, FinallyTime connectives keep the steps in order. A comma follows each one.
- Be careful:A tip or a warning helps the reader succeed.
Part 2 of 8
Talk it: oral rehearsal
Talk comes before writing. Children say the sentences, then the paragraph, before the pencil moves.
Order the steps
Cut a set of steps into strips. Children put them in order, then add the time connective for each.
Make it clearer
Take a vague step: put it in. Ask: where? how much? how deep? Add detail until a stranger could do it.
Part 3 of 8
Sentence skill: Time connectives and commas
Words and phrases like first, after that, meanwhile and later on keep events in order. A comma follows a time phrase at the start of a sentence.
Teach it in four steps
- Think of something you know how to make or do.
- Say each step aloud, starting with a time word.
- Write a comma after the time word, then the bossy verb.
- Add one tip, warning or reason.
Examples
| Start | Becomes or shows |
|---|---|
| first fill the pot | First, fill the pot. |
| after that drop the seed in | After that, drop the seed in. |
| next make a hole | Next, make a hole. |
Part 4 of 8
Plan: My instructions plan
Choose something you can do. Plan each step. 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.
My instructions plan
NameDate
Choose something you can do. Plan each step.
How to...A clear title.
You will needA list of equipment.
Steps in orderFirst, Next, After that, Then, Finally.
A tip or a warningBe careful: ...
Part 6 of 8
Independent write
The task
Write instructions for a game, a recipe or a craft. Use time connectives, bossy verbs and one tip or warning.
Sentence starters
- How to ___.
- You will need ___.
- First, ___.
- Next, ___.
- After that, ___.
- Finally, ___.
- Be careful: ___.
Word bank
- first
- next
- after that
- then
- finally
- carefully
- gently
- firmly
- about
- until
Support
Give picture steps and a time-connective word mat. Children write one step per picture.
Stretch
Add a diagram with labels, or a Common mistakes box.
English as an additional or foreign language. Act each step with real objects. A word mat of time connectives and verbs with pictures supports writing.
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
Part 8 of 8
Publish for a real reader
Swap instructions with another class. A reader follows them exactly and reports any step that did not work.
Printable template: Instructions
One A4 page, blank for handwriting. Print from the browser or download the PDF.
How to ...
NameDate
Write what you need, then number each step. Start steps with a bossy verb.
TitleHow to ...
You need
StepsStart each with a bossy verb.
Tip or warning
Keep going
In this course
Elsewhere on the site
Sources
- National curriculum in England: English programmes of study (DfE)
- English Appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (DfE)
- Improving Literacy in Key Stage 2 (EEF)
Curriculum statements are paraphrased from the documents above. Model texts and activities are original to Litlings.