Teaching the art of writing instructions can often be a daunting task. How do you make it engaging and spark curiosity within your students? This was a challenge I faced with my year 13 class recently. I wanted to transform the mundane task of crafting instructions into an exciting adventure that would not only capture my students' attention but also instill in them the importance of clarity and precision in their writing.
The Experiment:
To tackle this challenge, I decided to take a departure from the conventional and embrace a more hands-on approach. Instead of presenting my students with a dull set of instructions, I opted for a dynamic and interactive experience using a simple yet captivating activity – making paper airplanes.
I carefully curated two sets of picture instructions on how to create distinct paper airplane designs. As the students entered the classroom, their eyes were immediately drawn to these mysterious guides placed at four strategic locations. Splitting them into groups, each assigned to a particular set of instructions, I set the stage for an experiment that would transform the way they approached writing guidelines.
The buzz of curiosity filled the room as students eagerly huddled in their groups, deciphering the images to construct their paper airplanes. This hands-on activity not only piqued their interest but also laid the foundation for the real challenge that lay ahead.
Testing the Skies:
Once the paper planes took shape, it was time to put them to the test. Launching them into the air from height, the excitement and energy in the class reached new heights. The thrill of seeing their creations soar or falter added a layer of investment that traditional writing exercises often lack and it enabled us to get outdoors.
Returning to the classroom, I introduced a twist to the activity. I tasked the students with translating their hands-on experience into clear, written instructions for another group. No images allowed. This forced them to think critically about language, structure, and clarity in their writing.
The classroom became a hub of collaboration and critical thinking as students worked together to articulate their thoughts. Through trial and error, they fine-tuned their instructions, recognizing the value of clarity and precision in the written word.
Reflection and Improvement
After attempting to build planes based solely on written instructions, students faced the reality that not all instructions are created equal. Returning to the classroom, we engaged in a reflective discussion. What worked? What didn't? Why? These questions served as a springboard for understanding the nuances of effective instructional writing.
This activity paved the way for a deeper exploration of language elements, such as imperative verbs. Students were now equipped with a firsthand understanding of the impact language choices have on the clarity of instructions.
The activity concluded with students applying their newfound skills to write instructions for a different topic. The level of dedication and effort showcased in their work affirmed the success of this unconventional teaching method.
In transforming a mundane lesson into a memorable experience, this paper airplane experiment not only engaged students but also fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and a genuine appreciation for the art of writing instructions. As an educator, witnessing this transformation was truly rewarding. If you're looking for a way to inject life into your writing lessons, give this hands-on approach a try. You might be surprised at the heights your students can reach when they're given the wings of creativity.
You can view the lesson structure here and download the templates I used.
Do let me know if you try this activity. I’d love to hear how it went!
Thanks for sharing, Adrian. Great stuff.
I love this learning experience! I designed a TOPGUN Paper Airplane Academy for second graders, teaching them the forces of flight. It was awesome! Check it out.
https://open.substack.com/pub/adrianneibauer/p/topgun-paper-airplane-academy?r=gtvg8&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post