We’ve been working on identifying a sequence of events in our reading curriculum lately.  One of our recent posters showed a man making pizza.  We identified the transition words that told us there was a sequence of events.  We found the words first, next, then, and finally.  As much as I would have loved to have kids actually make the pizza and identify their own sequence of events, we have several kids in the class with severe allergies, so that idea wouldn’t work this year.  Instead, we made something that I knew would be a safe food item for everyone. 

I took pictures of my own kids making spiced apple cider to use as our directions.  The class looked at the pictures and started talking about the steps they needed to take to make the cider, and we actually made the cider in the classroom as we talked our way through it.  Naturally, they used the transition words we had identified.  As they were talking, I pointed out the language they used.

We used the form below to guide our discussion and “share the pen” in an interactive writing exercise.

How to Make Apple Cider
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Next, the kids got their own blank forms.  They wrote about the experience, remembering to use their transition words as the were writing and illustrating.
 
How to Make Apple Cider 2
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Document Sample: Click To View Full Document

Document Sample: Click To View Full Document

Finally, (yes, I had to sneak that transition word in here) the kids were able to have a bit of their spiced apple cider as they were writing.

The kids did a great job with their writing.  There were a few words that we wrote on the board, so kids could have a little help in spelling.  Allspice, Cinnamon, and Cloves aren’t the easiest words to write when you’re in first grade.

Overall, this was a great experience for the kids.  They had practice following directions in a sequence of events and wrote their own “how-to” using transition words. I chose not to add the specifics of how much apple juice or how many orange slices.  This was our first attempt at recipe writing and I didn’t want it to be overwhelming.  As we work through this reading and writing unit, we’ll be adding more to our own work.  We’ll be adding our own titles, supplies needed, ingredient list, and even “fun facts” about the food or recipe we’re working on.

As you’re cooking or baking at home, talking through the steps you’re taking with your child, pointing out transition words would be a great exercise.