Write a How To

What You Need:

• Paper and pen or computer
• Activity that your child is proficient in

What You Do:

1. Have your child sit down and envision himself performing the activity or task that he is going to write about. If it is feasible, have him actually do the activity or task and write down what he does, step by step, as he goes.
2. Ask him to write a brief introduction that describes what the manual will teach.
3. Have him write a sentence describing each step, leaving a space between each one, and numbering them in sequential order. Afterwards, he can go back and fill in more detailed information for each step.
4. Once he is done, put the manual to the test! Follow the directions and see if the end result is as it should be.
5. Together, talk about how successful the manual is and how it could be improved, if at all. Once your child sees that the activity or task is not as simple as it seems, he will appreciate his skills, abilities, and talents a bit more.

If you want to take this to the next level, show your child how to write the manual in outline format using Roman numerals, letters, and regular numbers. This will be great preparation for writing in high school and beyond!