Thinking sheet · Stories and words

How-To Writer

Write clear steps for something you know how to do, like making a sandwich, then see if a friend can follow them.

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Grades
1–4
Time
about 25 minutes
Kids practice
procedural writing, sequencing, clear directions

What kids do

“You’re the expert! Teach someone how to do it, step by step.”

  1. How to:
  2. You will need:
  3. Steps (draw and write each one)
  4. Order words I used:
  5. My friend tried it. What happened?

How to run it

  • Do a funny demo: follow kids’ sandwich steps exactly as written.
  • Every step needs an action word.
  • Test the steps on a partner and revise.

Talk about it

  • Which step did you almost forget?
  • Why do order words help?
  • Where do you see how-to writing in real life?

Take it further

Write how to draw your favorite character in four steps.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

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