How-To Writing Paper, Ideas, and Examples

What are How-To Books?

The purpose of a how-to book is to teach the reader how to do something with step-by-step directions. Procedural writing is another name that is often used. This type of writing is all around us and we may not even notice. You see it in recipes, game directions, guides, and manuals. Read on to learn more about how-to writing including ideas, examples, and the different kinds of paper.

Mentor Texts for How-To Writing

I highly recommend creating a class how-to book to use as a mentor text. Maybe even learn how to do something together and then create the directions. Some examples include: how to unpack, how to do a fire drill, or how to complete a class job.

There are also many great books out there that model procedural writing. You can use a basic recipe or directions for a board game. Below are some mentor texts that work well in the classroom as a read-aloud or for student exploration. Click each book below to see a description.

• How to Make Slime by Lori Shores (whole series of how-to books)
• Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
• How to Bake a Cake by Anastasia Suen
• Wax to Crayons by Inez Snyder (whole series of how-to books)
• How to Read a Story by Kate Messner
• My First Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen
• How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth by Michelle Robinson

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Sequence Words

Sequence words are also called transition words. They help us to put events in the order in which they happen. These sequential steps are very important when creating a how-to book. If the steps are not in order, then the reader will be confused and unable to complete the task. Some of the most common sequence words are first, then, next, and last. There are more transition words below.

How-To Writing Ideas

Sometimes a student will say “I’m not an expert at anything.” or “I don’t know how to do anything.” When we sit down to discuss all the things they do each day, they’re happily surprised to realize that they are an expert in so many areas. Then the problem becomes choosing just one topic. Below are some how-to writing ideas that work well for elementary students.

How-To Writing Examples

Here are some fun activities that I have used in the classroom. They include brainstorming, things you need pages, graphic organizers, how-to writing paper, and so much more! Click each example to see a preview and learn more.

Teaching How-To Writing

1. Choose a Topic

The first step to writing a how-to book is to choose a topic you know a lot about and can teach someone else. It’s helpful to use a brainstorm chart to get out ideas.

2. Plan the Steps

The next part is to plan the steps for someone else to complete. Practice telling the steps across your fingers using sequence words such as first, then, next, and last. This works well with a partner because they can ask questions if anything is unclear. Then record your ideas on how-to writing paper like the example below.

3. List the Things You Need

Now that there is a plan for each step, you also have a better idea of the things you will need. Depending on the topic, these items may be materials or ingredients. Students can list each item and include a matching picture. On the first blank page below, some teachers prefer to have students draw pictures or write words instead of doing both. It may depend on teacher preference, grade level, and student differentiation.

4. Write the Steps

After the planning stages, it’s time to write each step. It’s important to use clear language and be specific so the reader can follow the directions. Be sure to write the steps in order using sequence words. It’s also helpful to include tips for the reader.

5. Draw the Pictures

Students should write each page first and then go back to draw and color the matching pictures. This will ensure that kids don’t spend all their time drawing pictures before finishing their writing. It also helps the flow and sequence of the steps without interruption.

6. Celebrate!

Finally, after all that hard work, it’s time to celebrate! How-to books are fun to share because kids get to teach someone else how to do something. Plan a special event so students can be proud of their how-to writing. You might have them share their book with the class, a small group, or a partner. Other ideas include inviting parents in or meeting with another class. Students especially enjoy teaching kids that are younger than them. Get ready to see some proud faces light up!

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