How to papers

We have just begun working on How to papers.  Today students and I wrote about how to get ready for bed.  Tomorrow students will be working in groups to write a how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  We will read them all and decide which one is our best.  Then we will exchange papers with Mrs. Nicolai's class.  She will follow our instructions to make a PB & J sandwich and we will do the same with her class's instructions.  This will follow up with How to Build a Snowman next week.  It should be fun! 

Here are some ideas that you can do at home to help reinforce this concept.

Recipe Round-up

Recipes are great ways for your child to learn about how-to essays. Most recipes have a list of ingredients and then a paragraph explaining all the steps needed to prepare and cook the dish. Together with your child, read recipes together and compare and contrast them. What sequence words do the recipes use? Are the steps clear and manageable? Then write your own recipes together. Brainstorm different dishes together and break down the preparation into simple steps. Encourage your child to use graphic organizers such as flowcharts and numbered lists and imagine the whole process to organize the steps.

Directions

Giving directions is a fantastic way to practice sequence words. Give your child directions to walk to a secret location in your home. Model using sequence words in your directions: “First, walk down the hallway. Second, make a left turn at the end of the hallway.” You may wish to place a surprise at the secret location and have your child find it. Then switch roles and have your child direct you to a secret location. You may wish to alternate between writing down directions and giving verbal directions.