Re: "How to" writing assignment

One day, I came into school with a tent. We pushed all the
desks back and then I had them assemble the it, without the
directions! Chaos ensued and then a really good discussion
started to take place. What are these things? What are we
supposed to have, Where do these go? Something needs to go
first, but what? It was great. Finally, after about 15
minutes of this someone asked, "Where are the directions?"

Then I hand them the directions and they start a whole other
discussion! The result is, we end up with a fully functional
tent in our classroom, an experience we can relate to and
write about, and a clear example of why how-to
articles/essays are important.

Not using the brochure, we then work together to put together
all the information/materials they will need for their
article on assembling a tent, and we write, revise, edit, and
rewrite the article together. I do this every year with my
4th graders and they love it. A friend of mine did it with
her 9th graders and they loved it too.

If they see it, hear it, do it, use it, they'll remember
more. We do all the assembly, discussion, and recapping in 45
minutes on the first day, then work on a group write of the
exercise on the second day.

I also love the "Plan a Thanksgiving Dinner" project which
ties in the kids' math, science, writing, and reading. They
gain a deep appreciation for what their mothers do to prepare
a Thanksgiving meal.

Hope this helps! Whatever you do, have some fun with the
project!