Packing Tips
Step by step instructions | Suitable for 9-13 year olds
Packing: Step by Step
Successful instructions need to have a clear aim, with concise and well-ordered steps.
Each step needs to use keywords and language that both engages and informs the reader. Â
Can you use your powers of logic to create a compelling guide?
Video by Pack Hacker – embedded & hosted by Youtube.
Thinking ideas
Think about the aims of the packing tips video. Do you think instructions should ensure a good outcome, or should they focus on making sure nothing goes wrong? What is the best approach for in your view? Can you justify your decisions?
Discussion ideas
Have you ever experienced a packing disaster? What went wrong? Did you forget something of vital importance? How did it make you feel?
Writing ideas
With many airlines, trains, coaches and buses now charging for baggage, should we pack anything at all? How would you manage if you travelled with no baggage at all?
Craft a social media style set of instructions: 10 steps for worry-free & baggage-free travel.
Teaching ideas
Model the importance of sequencing instruction clearly and in the correct order. Explore what happens when you change the sequence of key steps in the instructions. Talk about what makes the more effective and fool-proof sequence.Â
Resources
- BBC Bitesize offers a series of activities and practical guides for writing instructions.
- BBC Teach’s facts about non fiction series includes this video by chef Stefan Gates explaining how to construct clear instructions.Â
- This article from Edutopia is aimed at showing teachers how to give clear instructions to students, but older students might be interested to see how many of the techniques they recognize.
- Have a look at the instructions for IKEA’s classic Billy bookcase. Notice the clear steps, and signposted warnings.
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10 Packing Tips
Seeing things differently
Photo by Stux on Pixabay
Imagine that you have an emergency bag for unforeseen events to help you leave suddenly and at a moment’s notice. You only have space for 10 items, and none of them can be perishable, smell, make noise or attract attention. What would you pack? What would be most useful to you and why? Tell the story of your bag, how to pack it, describing its contents and what you might use them for.
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