lesson

Help your reader

Read with an adult. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.

1 · Learn

We write for different reasons. A story entertains. Instructions help someone do something. A note can give information.

Choose words that fit your reader and purpose. Instructions need a useful order. A thank-you note should explain what you are thanking someone for.

Story: entertainInstructions: help someone do itNote: give information
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

For an imaginary paper-folding task, I begin 'Put the paper flat.' I would not start with the final step.

3 · Your turn

Which is better for instructions: a clear step in order or an unrelated story ending? Why?

Check your answer

A clear step in order helps the reader know what to do.

4 · Apply your learning

Write short instructions for a familiar safe task, a thank-you note or a poem. Read it to its intended reader and ask if it is clear.

Adult guidance and safety

Read instructions and shared texts aloud when needed. Independent reading must match taught sound-spelling knowledge; do not ask children to guess unknown words from pictures. Accept spoken answers before writing and revisit with more books and examples.

Open your writing and drawing pad

Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.

Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.

Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.

Drawing is unavailable. Use the typed working area below.

Your pad is empty.

Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.

Typed notes are not submitted answers.

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