One thing I know for sure is you need a HUGE variety of ideas for your students when it comes time to begin how-to writing lessons in the classroom. They truly need to be inspired to begin writing pieces that require a bit more attention to detail. A great way to get their minds rolling is to begin with an intriguing read-aloud that shows them how it’s done! So today, I’ll be sharing 8 of my favorite picture books for how-to writing AND I am including a free activity to pair along with it!
Each how-to writing book I’ve listed below could pair perfectly when prepping your class to create their own procedural writing. One of my favorites has been How to Make An Apple Pie by Kate Banks. After reading the story, we prepare our own pie in a cup taking note of each step as we go! Students may truly get a hoot of something fun like the hilarious instructions in Caring For You Lion. Check out my other favorites below!
Now that you have an idea of the type of books you could add to your how-to writing lessons, I have a FREEBIE activity to get your students started with writing their first instructional/procedural writing piece! This writing booklet will allow students to map out how their piece will flow.
Here’s a look at the inside of the booklet.
Here’s how it works!
Students will choose a topic for their How-To Writing Booklet. They might want to choose something like brushing their teeth, tying shoes, washing hands, swinging on the swingset, writing a sentence, etc. Then, they will organize the steps using the accordion booklet. This will allow them to practice sequencing the steps with transition words. Now they just need to cut out the two pieces, glue them together, and fold accordion-style! Add the hands to each side and you are good to go!
Use this booklet as a precursor to a full how-to writing piece with your students after reading one of the many picture books for how-to writing. This freebie was pulled directly from our Write On! Unit for How-To/Procedural writing which you can learn more about by clicking here!
You can grab this freebie right here!
Hey, y’all! My name is Amy Lemons and I am passionate about providing students with both engaging and effective standards-based Math and ELA lessons.
Sample a day of Rooted in Reading with these lesson plans and activities for Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar!
