Indiana Science Indicator 5.2.6

Standard Indicator Exploration

“Writing Understandable Instructions”

Jana Head

5.2.6

Write instructions that others can follow in carrying out a

procedure.

http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx

Grade 5

Why are Clear Directions Important?

“Producing clear directions is a life skill. We need to be able to tell someone how to get to our house, how to complete a simple task, how to write a recipe, and so on. The ability for learners to clearly express themselves is part of being functionally literate. Also, writing directions helps learners follow and comprehend other's directions more efficiently. ”

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/vtl07.la.ws.process.lpdirect/

Draw What?• 1) Draw two small circles.

• 2) Put lots of dots on the circles.

• 3) Place a tiny circle between the two small circles.

• 4) Draw a large upside down “U” over the circles.

• http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_5_2_stepbystep.pdf

• 5) Draw a banana off of either side of the upside down “U.”

• 6) Draw a small “u” under the two circles.

• 7) Make two ovals under the large “U.”

• 8) Color in the bottom part of the ovals.

• http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_5_2_stepbystep.pdf

Draw What?

You just drew a dog!

Yours didn’t look like this?

Ours didn’t either!

Five Tips for Clear Directions

• 1. Use numbers and sequencers

• 2. Avoid phrasal verbs (go out, come in, go in, get out, stay out, etc)

• 3. Use precise verbs

• 4. Move from the general to the specific.

• 5. Keep sentences short and grammatical structures simple.

http://www.theenglishweb.com/doing-business-in-english/writing-skills/five-tips-for-writing-clear-directions-and-instructions.php

• When giving directions, try to be more specific and precise, like these changes:

• 1) Draw two small circles next to each other.

• 2) Put lots of dots inside the two small circles.

• 3) Place a tiny circle between the two small circles.

• 4) Touching the top left of one of the small circles, draw a large upside down “U” over the circles until it touches the right side of the other small circle.

• 5) Draw a banana-shape connected to each side of the upside down “U.”

• 6) Draw a small “u” under the two original small circles.

• 7) Make two ovals side by side under the large “U” but above the original two small circles

• 8) Color in the bottom part of the ovals.

Now You Try It!

• Think of something that you enjoy doing or a place you go often. (ex: tying your shoe, making a recipe)

• Can you explain how to do the task? How about finding the place you go to?

• Remember to use numbers, sequences, and precise verbs when listing your directions.

• Try it with a partner: See if they are able to understand your directions!

References 1. http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx

2. http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_5_2_stepbystep.pdf

3. http://www.theenglishweb.com/doing-business-in-english/writing-skills/five-tips-for-writing-clear-directions-and-instructions.php

4. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/vtl07.la.ws.process.lpdirect/