Instructional texts (reading comprehension and writing composition)
Ask the children to bring in (or assemble yourself) a collection of instructional texts, for example, how to build a cabinet, or instructions for programming the video. Some DIY stores have a collection of guides for a variety of jobs. Other texts might include gardening manuals, and leaflets that come with computer games and Internet CDs. In particular, look at the instructions on how to upload new software or the 'help' files for a program already in use in your school.
Divide the class into groups of three to five. Make sure each group has at least three different types of instructional text. Give them time to look at each one and then ask them to put the instructions in order of preference.
Bring the class together and ask each group to give their preferences, (without explanation). Now ask each group to provide three reasons why their 'best was the best' and two reasons why their 'worst was the worst'. Compare the reasoning between groups and use this information to design a list of do's and don'ts when writing out instructions.
Encourage children to consider:
- audience (Is the text appropriate for the designated audience?)
- language (How hard/easy is the text to read? Is it written in first or third person, or otherwise?)
- sequence (How is the text organised? Are there connectives such as bullets or numbers?)
- presentation (graphics, photos, cartoons etc)
- layout (Visual impact on the page: is it an A4 sheet or a booklet, for example?)
Children might also consider if there is too much or too little information.
They should decide how to improve the piece of instructional text they considered the worst; also make a re-evaluation of their original decisions.
Using the list of important aspects of instructional text, ask the children to write their own text for a child of a similar age. These might include instructions on:
- how to walk to school safely when alone
- safety in the house
- what to do if a stranger approaches you
- what to do if you get home and your parents aren't there.
