Unit Plan 29 (Grade 1 ELA): Procedural / How-To Writing
Grade 1 how-to writing unit: students plan materials, write 3–5 steps with First/Next/Then/Last, add a tip, and revise/edit for clear directions.
Focus: Clear steps, sequence words; materials lists; tips
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Language)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Writers teach others by explaining how to do something. This week, students plan and write a short how-to with a materials list, 3–5 ordered steps using sequence words (first/next/then/last), and one helpful tip. They will revise for clarity and edit for capitals, end marks, and snap-word spellings before publishing.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Name a topic and write an informative/how-to piece that includes a materials list, ordered steps with sequence words, and a closing (W.1.2).
- Use complete, command/imperative sentences with present-tense action verbs in steps; use and to join short ideas when helpful (L.1.1).
- Edit for capitalization, end punctuation (., !, ?), and conventional spelling of taught snap words; use best-guess phonetic spelling for new words (L.1.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1
- W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts: name a topic, supply facts, and provide some sense of closure.
- L.1.1 Demonstrate command of grammar/usage in writing (complete sentences; verbs; simple conjunctions).
- L.1.2 Demonstrate command of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can list the materials my reader needs.
- I can write 3–5 steps with First/Next/Then/Last and action verbs.
- I can add one tip that helps the reader do it better/safer.
- I can fix capitals, end marks, and snap words so my directions are clear.