Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Writing Instructions

I am loving teaching instructions with my students.  I have been kind of using the Lane Clark approach to writing.  First we followed some instructions on how to play hopscotch.  And then filled out a P B E and S.W.SW organiser that breaks down all the different aspects of instructional writing.  Click here for a copy.


We then repeated this using a youtube video on how to moonwalk.  Kids LOVE trying to be like MJ, but I have to admit I find it sad that I have to explain to them about the gloves and white socks. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_FzgtLVzbI

We then created a venn diagram to compare the two instructions and come up with what we think good instructions should have.  We then used this to create a checklist to compare 3 more instructions.  Click here for a copy of our hypothesis organiser.

Once we had checked all of the instructions we then co-constructed our writing criteria for Instructions. 

We have been swimming the last 2 weeks and are experts on the routine of getting ready for swimming.  So we have been writing instructions for the new entrants in Room 14 who will start swimming next week.

Check out our classroom wiki to see pictures of our learning.
http://room10allentonschool2012.wikispaces.com/Instructions

What kind of things do you do to teach instructional writing?

4 comments:

  1. Hi Carolyn,

    I saw your comment on Dragonflies in First and came to check out your blog. It's great. I teach 2nd grade at an international school in Thailand and over the years I have taught with a lot of teachers from New Zealand. They have been some of my greatest role models. I am looking forward to reading your posts, as now I am your newest follower.

    I am also new to blogging! I hope you'll come check out my blog as well.

    Cheers,
    Kate

    Innovate, Create and Relate

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  2. Hi again,

    I tried to access both your great files in this post, but it says I don't have permission. If it is a google doc, you may need to make sure you set the privacy setting to public.

    I hope this helps!
    Cheers,
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Kate, Thanks for that. I am also new to sharing documents through google! I thought I had made them public... I think they are now. I will head over to your blog later today - the shower is calling!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for sharing this!

    I am your newest follower and would love for you to visit me when you get the chance! =)


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    ReplyDelete