Follow Instructions

Shift the focus from simply recalling instructions to applying and adapting instructions to new situations.

Notice how the standards change as children mature as thinkers.

Standards

• Grade 1
  • English Standard 1.2.4. Follow one-step written instructions.
    
  • Science Standard 1.5.1. Use numbers, up to 10, to place objects in order, such as first, second, and third, and to name them, such as bus numbers or phone numbers.
• Grade 2
  • English Standard 2.2.8. Follow two-step written instructions.
    
  • Science Standard 2.2.4. Assemble, describe, take apart, and/or reassemble constructions using such things as interlocking blocks and erector sets. Sometimes pictures or words may be used as a reference.
  • Science Standard 2.6.1. Investigate that most objects are made of parts.
• Grade 3
  • English Standard 3.2.7. Follow simple multiple-step written instructions.
  • Science Standard 3.2.6. Make sketches and write descriptions to aid in explaining procedures or ideas.
  • Science Standard 3.6.1. Investigate how and describe that when parts are put together, they can do things that they could not do by themselves.
• Grade 4
  • English Standard 4.2.7. Follow multiple-step instructions in a basic technical manual.
• Grade 5
  
• English Standard 5.2.6. Follow multiple-step instructions in a basic technical manual.
• Science Standard 5.2.7. Read and follow step-by-step instructions when learning new procedures.
• Grade 6
  • English Standard 6.2.5. Follow multiple-step instructions for preparing applications.
• Grade 7
  • English Standard 7.2.5. Understand and explain the use of a simple mechanical device by following directions in a technical manual.
• Grade 8
  • English Standard 8.2.8. Understand and explain the use of simple equipment by following directions in a technical manual.
  • Science Standard 8.2.6. Write clear, step-by-step instructions (procedural summaries) for conducting investigations, operating something, or following a procedure.

Focus on "How Tos"

Many websites provide "how-tos".

Magic. Young people enjoy magic. Answer questions about step-by-step instructions. Write instructions. Follow instructions

• Magic from Starfall

Draw. Young people love to draw. Get out the drawing books and websites. Ask them to read carefully and following the instructions to create a masterpiece.

• Drawing Dinos from Ology

• Resources
  • How Stuff Works
  • How Stuff Works - Express for Kids
    • Articles
    • Autopsy Library - Inside things
  • How To from the UK

Focus on Recipes

Explore resources that contain recipes.

• Resources
  • Make That Chocolate Sundae
  • San Diego Zoo's Recipes for Kids. (Intermediate). Read recipes. Use the Procedural Writing Graphic Organizer (PDF) to write your own recipe. Use the Procedure and Word Choice Rubric (PDF). For more ideas, go to Let's Get Cooking With Words! Creating a Recipe Using Procedural Writing.

Focus on Step-by-Step Instructions

Directions can be found online for a wide variety of activities. Check out Activity TV for video directions and text directions.

• Activity
  • Activity TV. Step-by-step instruction and videos. Go to Puppets for examples.
  • Read the introduction to Making Puppets (Google Limited Preview) by Claire Llewellyn, Louise Spilsbury
  • Examine the diagram in Making Puppets and create your own diagram of a puppet.
  • Explore puppets at Here, There, and Everywhere including Puppet Personality and Puppets in Motions. Students follow directions to explore puppets.
• Resources
  • Ranger Rick Make & Do. Notice the list of options on the right side of the screen.
  • Ology Projects
• Build the Big Dipper
• Cosmic Cookies
• Create a Coral Reef
• Edible Earth
• Feed the Birds
• Make an Atomic Mobile
• Make a DNA Model
• Make Your Own Coin
• Make Your Own Mythic Mask of Puppet
• Make Your Own Weather Station
• Make a Terrarium

Focus on Science Experiments

Explore the steps in science experiments.

Read a chapter from Circuits and Conductors by Louise Spilsbury, Claire Llewellyn, Richard Spilsbury. Read about making a circuit. Then create your own diagram showing the steps.

• Highlights Kids: Try This! Experiments
• Reeko's Science Experiments
• National Geographic Kids: Science Experiments

Focus on Tools Following Instructions

• Write a "How-to" Article from Time for Kids
• Inspiration and Kidspiration Templates