Week 11

Literacy Week 11

(Week 11 printable at the bottom of page)

• Find a set of instructions on how to do something e.g. Lego instructions, game instructions, a recipe, a manual for an appliance or piece of equipment, how to build a birdhouse etc. Read it. Does it make sense to you? Could you follow the instructions successfully? What did the writer do to help you follow the instructions (number the steps, add pictures, describe clearly with short sentences, use specific words, labeled diagrams, etc.)?

• Find a different set of instructions than yesterday’s.

Read and follow or visualize following the instructions. Compared to yesterday’s, how was the writing the same or different? Which was easier to follow and why? If you had to make improvements to one set to make it more engaging or easier for the reader to follow, what would you do and why? How might a YouTube video or a video-recorded set of instructions be more or less helpful?

• Think about something that you know how to do very well e.g. set the table, clean your room, make a peanut butter sandwich, build a structure with blocks, etc. Find someone who can act out your instructions exactly. Practice telling them one instruction at a time using only words (don’t use your hands or show them what you mean). It’s surprising how many details you will assume they know already! After you have done this, jot down your instructions. Get some feedback from your helper about any instructions that might be missing or that are unclear and make some adjustments.

• Look at your instructions and decide if they are in the right order. Think about the sets of instructions you read on Monday and Tuesday. Revise your instructions. See if you can choose words carefully to make the instructions clearer. Add any missing details. Decide if you need any pictures that would help your reader understand. Would it help to add labels to your picture? Do you need to number your instructions? What materials does the reader need before they start? Are there any safety concerns you should mention?

• Create a good copy of your instructions for others to use. How will you present to others? Find someone to present your instructions to. Ask them to tell you what was helpful to them. What suggestions would they make for next time? What do you think you did well? What do you think you would change if you had to do it over again? Where would it be best to keep those instructions e.g. posted on a wall, inside a box of Lego, in recipe collection, in an art kit, etc.? Celebrate your hard work and your new learning!

• Week 11 Literacy Printable