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24 How-To Writing

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114
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How-To Writing

Start-Up Activity

Have your students stand beside their desks. Read the instructions under "Test Your Flexibility," asking students to perform the actions as you read them aloud. Afterward, have them raise their hands if they have good flexibility.

Have your class sit again and ask them about the flexibility test:

  • How did you know what to do? (We listened. You told us what to do. Each line starts with a command verb.)

  • How did you know what order to do things? (The steps are numbered. They appear in time order. They also start with "First," "Next," and "Then.")

Explain to your students that instructions tell readers how to do something. Ask students what they know how to do or make, and let them know they will be writing their own how-to instructions.

Think About It

“Directions are instructions given to explain how. Direction is a vision offered to explain why.”

—Simon Sinek

Page 115 from Write on Track

Writing Directions

Have students brainstorm possible topics: things they like to do, things they like to make, and places they like to go. (They can see a model of each type of directions on pages 117–119.) Then have them pick a topic for their directions.

Based on their topics, suggest whether they should write their directions as a list or as a paragraph. (You might present the material on page 117 to a group of students who are making a list and the material on the top of page 118 to those who are writing paragraphs.)

When students are ready to write, lead them through the instructions at the bottom of the page. Then give them time to write.

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Page 116 from Write on Track

Revising and Editing

When students complete their first drafts, lead them through the material under "Revising." Have them use the four bulleted questions to help them revise. Also, have peer readers use the same questions to help their partners revise.

Once students have made large-scale improvements, have them check spelling and punctuation.

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Page 117 from Write on Track

Four Kinds of Directions

Use this page to inspire young writers who are creating directions for making something. Have volunteers read each step. Afterward, lead a discussion:

  • How do the directions start? (They have a how-to title that names the process. They also include a list of materials.)
  • What do the first words in each line have in common? (They are command verbs at the beginning of each sentence. They help readers know just what to do.)
  • Why are the steps numbered? (The numbers help people keep track of time order.)
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Page 118 from Write on Track

How to Do Something and How to Get Someplace

Use the material on the top of this page to inspire students who are writing a paragraph of instructions. Use the sample on the bottom for those who are creating list instructions.

Have students volunteers read the models aloud. Lead a discussion about the directions.

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Page 119 from Write on Track

How to Have Some Fun

On this page, the student writer has combined explanatory and creative modes to come up with an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek set of directions. Inspire your students to create amusing directions like these.

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