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 |  work in progress- writing assignments & links for use in the home school |
Grades 4-12: Did you ever try to put something together from the directions included in the box, cursing the person who made something simple into a nightmare? Being able to write clearly is a skill worth learning. It's not always possible to include a diagram, so the words must convey the exact intent of the writer. How much detail is enough? How much is too much? From my experience, the only people in the how-to world who have truly mastered this skill are the wacky folks from Klutz Press. Somehow, they write directions that work the first time you try to follow them, no matter how complex the task. Here's your chance to try your hand at it. I have adapted this idea from the book Sciencewise by Dennis Holley, Critical Thinking Books & Software, 1996, p.170-171. Collect the following materials:  a bin of Lego pieces (or some other construction toy, if you don't have any Legos, poor thing!). Be sure there are enough pieces to make two identical constructions.A partner (siblings are great, but a parent will do in a pinch. In fact, make your Dad do it, just for fun!Paper & pencilProcedure: 1) Construct a small object out of the Legos. Do NOT let your partner see your construction. 2) Now write step-by-step directions for making your construction. Give the instructions to your partner. They will attempt to build your construction. 3) Compare their construction with the original. Discuss what parts of the instructions could have been improved. Rewrite them together and give them to your parent to try. 4) Now trade places & have your partner write instructions for you to follow. 5) Repeat as often as you like, or until your mom says it's time to do chores or math. Remind her that you are NOT playing with Legos- this is education! 1st-3rd Grade: The parent should do the first construction & set of directions, in order to demonstrate. Make it simple! You may want to use duplos or some other simple objects that can be stacked, set next to one another, etc. instead of the Legos. Have younger kids dictate their instructions, if necessary, when it is their turn to write them. You can also do this one with directions for making a peanut butter sandwich. Exaggerate errors (like put the jar on the loaf of bread if they write "put peanut butter on bread).   ** Image ID #933346 Unavailable **  |
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