One of the writing genres I enjoy teaching in second grade is procedural writing (aka – How-To Writing). I’ve been working to update my writing files, beginning with my How-To Writing unit. I also saw that Ginger over at Ginger Snaps had a post about an upcoming How-To Writing Unit. I don’t know about you, but I am excited to see what she comes up with since it fits right in with what I’m working on!
One of my minilessons is creating a list of how-to ideas with the students. However, I always like to have my own list on hand for making suggestions, modeling lessons, etc. Here are some of the how-to ideas my students and I have come up with in the past. I would love to hear some of your ideas.
-
annoy your brother/sister
-
bake/make cookies
-
blow a bubble
-
brush your teeth
- build a snow fort
- build a snowman
- care for a pet
- carve a pumpkin
- catch a leprechaun
- clean your desk
- clean your bedroom
- decorate a Christmas tree
- eat an Oreo cookie
- get a good report card
- get ready for bed
- get to _______ (choose a location)
- give your dog a bath
- jump rope
- make a paper airplane
- make a PB & J sandwich
- make popcorn
- make a rootbeer float/ice cream sundae
- make a s’more
- make your bed
- make/keep a friend
- pack a lunch
- play hopscotch
- play your favorite game
- set the table for dinner
- sharpen a pencil
- tie your shoes
Yesterday I found out that Tammy over at The Resourceful Apple has awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you for nominating my blog, Tammy! It brings a smile to my face that others even think of my blog when they are passing on the award to other bloggers. This award comes with its own set of rules:
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the award image in your post.
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 15 other bloggers, include their link, and let them know!
So, the next rule on the list is to give 7 random facts about myself.

Well, Storie, Thank you so very much for the award! That just tickles my toes to think that you awarded me with it. In honor of my grandaughter's name starting with T, I'm going to give this award to other blogs whose names begin with T. Let's see how many I can find!
I also like your list for writing, I'm definately going to grab it. Thanks so much!
Patty
Second In Line
Thanks so much for the award!!I love your blog! I gave you the One Lovely Blog Award. I actually gave it to you last week. I have been super busy and forgot to let you know earlier. So sorry.
Jennifer
Grade2Happenings
Thank you so much for the award. It is very humbling when someone else recognizes your blog. Thanks again!
Barrow's Hodgepodge
Thank you, Storie! You definitely made my day… well, really, my weekend!! :]
Sara
Miss V's Busy Bees
I love How-to writing as well. Sometimes the kids who don't get into narratives as well as I'd like really enjoy the change to expository.
❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Congrats on the much deserved award!! 🙂 Thanks for your list of how to writing ideas. I always seem to have trouble coming up with multiple how to topics & this will help!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Thanks for your sweet comments on my giveaway!! I'm so sorry. I was responding to your comments on my blog by emailing you through the notification that was sent to me from blogger about the comment. After further look I realized you didn't have your blog set up for that. I'm attaching a link to help you fix that, if you want of course, because a lot of people might be thinking that they are emailing you and they aren't. It's pretty easy to fix 🙂
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2012/01/how-to-respond-to-comments-via-email.html
Jess
I just found your blog and became a follower! Congrats on your award!
-Jaime
Bright Concepts 4 Teachers
Thanks for the great list of how-to ideas! Definitely keeping it handy for next year!
Patti
pattib203@yahoo.com
Primary Pizzazz