How-To Writing: Procedural Text

Procedural writing teaches children to organize information logically and write with precision—skills that transfer to all expository writing.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Writing
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Write clear procedural instructions
• Use sequence words in writing
• Include all necessary steps
• Write for a specific audience

Materials

• How-to planning template
• Writing paper with numbered lines
• Illustration materials
• Published how-to books for models

Instructions

1. Choose a topic: 'How to make a peanut butter sandwich.' 2. 'What materials do you need?' Write a list. 3. 'What is step 1? Step 2?' Number each step. 4. Use sequence words: first, next, then. 5. Test: follow someone else's instructions. 6. Did they leave out a step? 7. Revise for clarity.

Educator tip

The 'follow the instructions exactly' test is hilarious and instructive. If they write 'put peanut butter on bread' without saying 'open the jar,' you do exactly that. Children learn precision!

Assessment

Child writes a complete set of instructions that another person can follow successfully.

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