Understanding Instructions

Overview

This 45-minute lesson will develop Year 7 students’ ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions from authentic everyday sources, such as recipes and assembly guides. This supports their practical literacy skills—key for functional engagement with texts in real life—aligned with the National Curriculum for English at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9).

National Curriculum Links

Reading: Language Comprehension (KS3)

Pupils should be taught to:

Extract and interpret information from non-fiction texts (Ref: English Programme of Study, KS3 Reading)
Identify the purpose, audience, and context of texts (Ref: KS3 Reading)
Develop critical comprehension skills through discussion and explanation (Ref: KS3 Reading)

Spoken Language

Articulate ideas clearly when discussing texts and instructions (Spoken Language focus)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Identify key features of instructional texts (e.g., sequencing words, imperative verbs).
Demonstrate understanding by accurately following a set of written instructions from two distinct authentic sources.
Explain the purpose and audience of different instructional texts and evaluate their clarity and effectiveness.
Use precise language to discuss any challenges or ambiguities in the instructions.

Success Criteria

Students highlight and annotate key instructional language features.
Complete a short practical task following written instructions with accuracy.
Contribute meaningfully to group discussions explaining the instructions’ purpose and potential difficulties.
Use specific vocabulary relevant to instruction (e.g., "imperative verbs," "sequencing," "clarity").

Resources

Printed copies of a simple recipe (e.g., making a sandwich or smoothie)
Printed assembly instructions (e.g., a small flatpack toy or simple craft kit)
Highlighters/pens for annotation
Whiteboard and markers
Clipboards or desks for practical task
Stopwatch or timer (optional for time management)

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 min	Starter: Instruction Icebreaker

Ask students to recall a time when they had difficulty following instructions at home or school.
Share examples for quick whole-class discussion to spark interest and set context.
| 5-15 min | Reading and Annotation |
Distribute lesson copies of a recipe and an assembly guide.
Model how to identify and highlight key features: sequencing words (first, then), imperative verbs (cut, mix), and safety notes.
Students highlight independently and annotate in pairs.
Teacher circulates to support and clarify.
| 15-25 min | Practical Application Task |
Students work in pairs or individually to follow either set of instructions (recipe or assembly).
Aim: produce the item (e.g., a simple completed sandwich or assembled part of the craft) exactly as instructed.
Emphasise following instructions precisely and observing sequencing.
| 25-35 min | Group Discussion and Reflection |
Guided discussion with sentence starters:
- “The purpose of this set of instructions is...”
- “I found the following words helpful/unhelpful...”
- “One improvement to make these instructions clearer would be...”
Discuss the audience for each text and how it affects language complexity and presentation.
| 35-40 min | Mini Assessment: Instruction Explanation |
Each student writes 3-4 sentences explaining one feature of instructional language and why it is important.
Alternatively, explain verbally to the teacher or group.
| 40-45 min | Plenary and Review |
Quick quiz or thumbs-up/down: "Which instruction words do we use to show order?"
Recap the importance of clear instructions in everyday life and how understanding them improves independence.

Differentiation Strategies

Support: Provide a simplified set of instructions or annotated copy for lower-readers.
Challenge: Ask more advanced students to compare the two instruction types and discuss how tone and detail differ depending on audience and purpose.
SEN: Use visual aids and step-by-step verbal reinforcement during tasks.
EAL: Pre-teach key vocabulary (imperative verbs, sequencing) with visual examples.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative: Observation during annotation and practical tasks, noting ability to identify features and follow instructions.
Peer feedback: In discussion, students explain their understanding and listen to others’ perspectives.
Written/verbal task: Assess clarity and accuracy of explanation about instructional features.
Feedback given live to encourage immediate improvements and affirm successes.

Extension Ideas

Create your own recipe or set of instructions for a simple task and exchange with a partner for testing.
Begin a ‘Real Life Reading’ journal where students collect interesting instructions they encounter outside school.

Teacher Notes

Emphasise that following instructions accurately is a vital skill beyond the classroom—relevant at home, in hobbies, and future workplaces.
Highlight the connection between reading comprehension and functional literacy.
Encourage students to be critical readers who can identify unclear or ambiguous instructions and suggest improvements.
Use real objects or ingredients to make the lesson hands-on and memorable.

By engaging students with purposeful texts and a practical task, this lesson ensures Year 7 pupils develop critical reading and real-world skills essential for confident, independent learners, fully aligned with the National Curriculum expectations for KS3 English.

Teaching Instructions