Writing to Explain: How-To Paragraphs
Writing to Explain: How-To Paragraphs Objective: Students will learn to write a clear and organized how-to paragraph using linking words to describe a process in a logical sequence.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose of a how-to paragraph.
- Use linking words to organize steps logically.
- Write a simple paragraph explaining how to do a familiar task.
Materials Needed
- Paper or notebook
- Pencils
- Crayons or markers
- Example how-to paragraph (printed or displayed)
- Picture cards showing simple processes (optional)
Key Vocabulary
- How-to paragraph
- A short piece of writing that explains how to do something step by step.
- Linking words
- Words that connect ideas or steps, like first, next, then, and finally.
- Sequence
- The order in which things happen.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to How-To Writing
- Explain what a how-to paragraph is and why we use it.
- Read an example how-to paragraph aloud, pointing out linking words and sequence.
- Discuss the steps in the example and how they are organized.
Brainstorming and Organizing
- Choose a simple task the student knows well (e.g., brushing teeth or making a sandwich).
- Help the student list the steps in order.
- Discuss and write linking words to connect the steps.
Writing the How-To Paragraph
- Guide the student to write sentences for each step using linking words.
- Encourage the student to write the sentences in order to form a paragraph.
- Review the paragraph together, checking for clear sequence and use of linking words.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to think about steps in an order that makes sense.
- Use simple tasks your child is familiar with to make writing easier and more fun.
- Praise efforts and remind your child that organizing ideas clearly is important in writing.
Assessment Questions
- Can your child identify the steps in the how-to paragraph?
- Does your child use linking words like first, next, and then in their writing?
- Is the paragraph written in a clear and logical sequence?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child draw pictures to match each step in their how-to paragraph.
- Create a simple booklet with multiple how-to paragraphs about different tasks.
- Practice writing how-to paragraphs about daily routines or favorite activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try using picture cards or drawing to help your child visualize the sequence before writing.
Teach common linking words like first, next, then, and finally by using them in daily conversations.
Yes, at this stage short clear sentences are perfect. Focus on sequence and clarity.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may write steps out of order, making the paragraph confusing.
- Students might forget to use linking words, which help the flow of writing.
- Some students may write a list instead of a paragraph with complete sentences.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters with linking words.
- Use pictures to help organize the sequence visually.
- Allow oral storytelling of steps before writing.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge students to add descriptive details to each step.
- Encourage the use of more linking words and transition phrases.
- Have students write how-to paragraphs on more complex tasks.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10 minutes introducing and discussing the example paragraph.
- Use 15 minutes for brainstorming and organizing steps with the student.
- Reserve 20 minutes for writing and reviewing the how-to paragraph.
Standards
- 2.W.8 — Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
Printable Worksheet
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