Instruction writing is an important skill for young learners to develop, as it helps them to communicate clearly and effectively.  

In this blog post, we will explore why instruction writing is important, provide tips for teaching it, and offer a step-by-step guide to writing instructions in KS1. We will also share examples of instruction writing, fun activities to practice this skill, common mistakes to avoid, and discuss assessment and feedback. 

The Importance of Instruction Writing for Key Stage One Classes 

Instruction writing is an essential skill for KS1 students as it helps them to develop their writing and communication skills. Clear and concise instructions are needed in various aspects of life, whether it's following a recipe, assembling a toy, or giving directions.  

By honing their instruction writing skills, children learn how to organise their thoughts, use descriptive language, and provide clear and logical steps for others to follow. 

Tips for Teaching Instruction Writing 

Teaching instruction writing to young learners can be a fun and engaging process.  
Here are some tips to help you get started: 

• Start with simple tasks: Begin by asking your pupils to write instructions for everyday activities they are familiar with, such as brushing their teeth or making a sandwich. 

• Use visual aids: Incorporate visual aids such as diagrams, pictures, or props to help your pupils understand the steps involved in a task. 

• Model good writing: Show them examples of well-written instructions and discuss the key features, such as clear steps, use of imperative verbs, and the importance of sequencing. 

• Provide opportunities for practice: Allow your pupils to practice writing instructions in a variety of contexts, such as giving directions for a game or explaining how to solve a maths problem. 

• Encourage peer feedback: Foster a supportive classroom environment where children can provide constructive feedback to each other, helping them to improve their instruction writing skills. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Instructions in KS1 

Here is a step-by-step guide to help your pupils write clear and effective instructions: 

1. Choose a task: Start by selecting a task that is familiar to them and suitable for their skill level. 

2. Break it down: Divide the task into small, manageable steps. Encourage your pupils to think about the order in which the steps should be followed. 

3. Use clear language: Ensure that the language used in the instructions is easy to understand and appropriate for the target audience. 

4. Include imperative verbs: Use action words at the start of each step to clearly indicate what needs to be done. 

5. Provide additional details: Include any necessary details or explanations to ensure that the instructions are comprehensive and easy to follow. 

6. Organise the steps: Arrange the steps in a logical order, making it clear and easy for the reader to follow. 

7. Proofread and edit: Encourage pupils to review their instructions for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. 

8. Share and evaluate: Have them exchange instructions with their peers and evaluate them based on clarity and ease of understanding. 

Examples of Instruction Writing in Key Stage One 

Here are a few examples of instruction writing that you can share with your KS1 students: 

Task	Instructions
Making a sandwich	1. Take two slices of bread. 2. Spread butter on one side of each slice. 3. Place your choice of filling (e.g., ham, cheese) on one slice. 4. Put the two slices together. 5. Cut the sandwich in half. 6. Enjoy!
Building a Lego house	1. Sort the Lego pieces by colour and size. 2. Follow the instructions provided in the Lego box. 3. Start with the foundation and build upwards. 4. Connect the pieces securely. 5. Add any additional details or decorations. 6. Admire your Lego house!

 

Fun Activities to Practice Instruction Writing 

Instruction writing can be made more enjoyable with these fun activities: 

• Game instructions: Have your pupils create instructions for a game they enjoy playing, and then have their peers follow the instructions to play the game. 

• Science experiments: Instruct them to write step-by-step instructions for a simple science experiment, such as making a volcano erupt or growing a plant from a seed. 

• Arts and crafts projects: Ask your pupils to provide clear instructions for a fun arts and crafts activity, such as making a paper airplane or creating a collage. 

• Recipe writing: Have them write detailed instructions for their favourite recipe, including measurements and cooking times. They can then swap recipes with their classmates and try making each other's dishes. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Instruction Writing 

While teaching instruction writing, it's important to address common mistakes that children may make. Here are a few to watch out for: 

• Missing steps: Remind them to include all the necessary steps, even if they seem obvious. 

• Unclear language: Emphasise the importance of using clear and precise language to avoid confusion. 

• Disorganised steps: Encourage your class to arrange the steps in a logical order to make it easier for readers to follow. 

• Omitting details: Remind children to include any additional details or explanations that might be needed. 

• Writing in first person: Instruct your pupils to write instructions in the second person (e.g., "you"), rather than the first person (e.g., "I"). 

Assessment and Feedback for Instruction Writing 

Assessing and providing feedback on instruction writing can help students improve their skills. Here are some ways to assess and provide feedback: 

• Checklists: Use checklists to assess whether children have included all the necessary elements in their instructions, such as clear steps, imperative verbs, and appropriate language. 

• Peer feedback: Encourage children to exchange instructions with their peers and provide constructive feedback on clarity, organisation, and language use. 

• Teacher feedback: Provide individual feedback highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. Offer suggestions for revision and provide examples of well-written instructions as models. 

• Practice opportunities: Offer regular practice opportunities for your class to refine their instruction writing skills, allowing them to apply feedback and make improvements. 

We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights and resources for teaching instruction writing in Key Stage One. By incorporating these tips, examples, and activities into your lessons, you can help your pupils become confident and proficient instruction writers. Happy teaching! 

How Can Mighty Writer Help?

If you want to take your pupils' writing skills to the next level, consider using Mighty Writer. This innovative resource is designed to make writing fun and engaging for young learners, while also developing their core literacy skills. With Mighty Writer, your pupils will love writing and you'll love the results! 

Want to learn more about the Mighty Writer resource? Download our free Teachers Guide by clicking the link below!