Teaching your class how to write instructions can be tricky. Instructional texts usually tell the reader how to do something mundane and boring, like how to cook a meal or how to build a chair, but imagine asking your class to write a clear set of instructions for something WAY more fun like controlling a robot or flying a magic carpet!
If they can instruct and inform readers of how to do fictional or magical tasks then the everyday instructional tasks become easier!
These fun ideas for teaching instructions are based on incredible images and an accompanying story starter. They will allow you to teach the key features of instructional writing, including using the correct technical terms, simple precise language, and imperative or bossy verbs whilst engaging and motivating your class to put pencil to paper.
Plus, these writing prompts also come with questions about the image, sentence challenges and a grammar/punctuation challenge linked to the image so your class can brush up on other essential writing skills too!
"Simon and Tom had always played Fifa on their computer together but one day, they found a new football game. They decided to alter some of the rules and create their own set of instructions for this game."
Can your class write a set of instructions for this game?
"Storm clouds gathered all around him like a pack of wolves surrounding their prey. The tormenting threat of thunder echoed through the night air, as streaks of silvery lightning illuminated the darkness. The storm was far away, for now, but it still filled his heart with fear. He had made it this far, but how would he survive the night? Would he ever see his family again?"
Can your class write a set of instructions about ‘How to survive at sea’?
"Imagine all of the technology in the world suddenly broke. How would you manage without ANY technology?"
Can your class write a set of instructions about how to survive a day without technology?
"Thump…Thump…Thump…
His footsteps thundered down the road, causing passers-by to stare in amazement, dogs to howl in backyards and alarmed old ladies to peer out of their bedroom windows wearing petrified looks on their faces. His legs were as long as oak trees, his torso was as wide as a house and his fists were as heavy as tractors: this metallic monster meant business. “Number 28 checking in. Over.” He spoke into the radio set, built into his helmet. His instructions crackled back through the earpiece. He knew what he had to do…"
Can your class write a set of instructions about how to control the robot?
"The man leant to his left and swooped around another corner. He never felt more alive than when he was on his magic carpet. Finding a straight stretch of land, he urged the carpet to top speed, sending plumes of dust from the ground all around him. He quickly approached the opening to the cave, his lantern at the ready..."
Can your class write a set of instructions about how to fly a magic carpet?
These are just a few of the hundreds of writing prompts you can find on Pobble, whatever genre you're teaching!