Writing Instructions- Year 1

Summary

This video teaches how to write clear and effective instructions, emphasizing the use of present tense, imperative (bossy) verbs, and time conjunctions. Examples are given for writing instructions on tasks like planting a sunflower seed and making a fruit pizza. Viewers are encouraged to spot key elements like imperative verbs and time conjunctions ('first', 'then') in the examples. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to create their own set of instructions, reinforcing the key concepts discussed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Instructions are written to guide someone on how to do something, such as baking, playing a game, or staying safe.
• 😀 Instructions must be written in the present tense to convey immediate action.
• 😀 Imperative verbs (also called bossy verbs) are essential in instructions; they give direct commands, like 'add,' 'fill,' and 'pour.'
• 😀 Time conjunctions like 'first,' 'then,' and 'next' are used to show the order of actions in instructions.
• 😀 Each step in instructions should begin with an adverb to add clarity, such as 'carefully' or 'gently.'
• 😀 A good set of instructions includes a clear list of necessary materials (e.g., soil, seeds, watering can).
• 😀 Instructions should be written with clarity and precision to avoid confusion for the reader or user.
• 😀 The use of example instructions, like planting a sunflower seed, helps demonstrate how to write clear and organized steps.
• 😀 When writing instructions, it's important to identify and use relevant action verbs and related words that guide the user.
• 😀 Teachers or instructors can use the process of creating instructions (e.g., for making a fruit pizza) as a classroom activity to practice writing skills.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this lesson?

The lesson focuses on learning how to write instructions, specifically for guiding someone on how to do something.

Why are instructions important?

Instructions are important because they provide step-by-step guidance for people who need to know how to do something, such as baking a cake, playing a game, or staying safe.

What are some examples of instructions mentioned in the video?

Examples include following a recipe for baking a cake, instructions for playing a game, and safety instructions like how to cross a road safely.

What tense should be used when writing instructions?

Instructions should be written in the present tense.

What are imperative verbs and how are they used in writing instructions?

Imperative verbs are 'bossy' verbs that give commands or instructions. They are used to tell the reader what to do, such as 'fill', 'add', and 'cover'.

Can you provide an example of a set of instructions mentioned in the video?

An example is the instructions on how to plant a sunflower seed, which include steps like 'fill the pot with soil', 'add a little water', and 'carefully put one or two seeds onto the soil'.

What role do time conjunctions play in writing instructions?

Time conjunctions help organize the steps in chronological order. Words like 'first' and 'then' are used to indicate the sequence of actions.

What are some of the time conjunctions used in the instructions example?

The time conjunctions used include 'first' and 'then'. These words show the order in which the steps should be performed.

What is the significance of adverbs in writing instructions?

Adverbs are used to provide more detail in each step, such as 'carefully' and 'gently', which give clarity about how the actions should be performed.

What other skills are important when writing clear instructions, according to the video?

In addition to using imperative verbs and time conjunctions, it's important to use words specific to the task, ensure clarity in writing, and incorporate the right amount of detail for each step.