Instructions
(4 weeks)

This unit is the first in a block of four non-fiction units in Year 2. Four weeks are suggested for work on instructions, but it would be advisable for the unit to be split into two units of two weeks each. The unit can be linked to many other curriculum areas. The unit has three phases, with oral or written outcomes and assessment opportunities at regular intervals.

Phase 1

The teacher demonstrates oral instructions and children practise giving and following oral instructions.

Phase 2

The teacher demonstrates how to read and follow simple written instructions and children read and follow simple written instructions. The teacher and children analyse language features of written instructions.

Phase 3

The teacher demonstrates how to write instructions and the teacher and children write a set of instructions together. Children write their own instructions and evaluate.

Overview

• Introduce the unit with a game following verbal instructions, given by the teacher and children. Gradually increase the number of instructions in the sequence. From the labels in the classroom pick out those that are instructions and discuss some of their features such as direct imperative register, short length and lack of superfluous words. Carry out an activity in a foundation subject such as planting beans (see Developing Early Writing), making a kite or cooking and then scribe the instructions for the class so another class can be told how to do it. Use diagrams to make some of the steps easier. Draw out some of the organisational features used to make it straightforward: statement of purpose, listing materials or ingredients, sequential steps, direct/imperative language.
• Read and follow simple sets of instructions such as recipes, plans, constructions that include diagrams.
• Children write simple instructions independently, for example getting to school, playing a game.

1998 Framework objectives covered:

Year 2, Term 1: T13 read simple written instruction in the classroom, simple recipes, plans, instructions for constructing something; T14 note key structural features; T15, T16 and T17 write simple instructions using models from reading to organise instructions sequentially and appropriate register; use diagrams as part of a set of instructions.