How to Writing in Kindergarten: A Guide for Teachers
Teaching young learners how to express their thoughts through writing can feel like an adventure, and how-to writing is one of the best places to start. It’s relatable, engaging, and a great opportunity to introduce step-by-step processes while helping kindergarten students build confidence in their writing skills. This guide is packed with practical tips, mentor texts, and ideas for how to tackle this essential unit of study in kindergarten classrooms.
What is How to Writing?
How-to writing is a form of nonfiction where students explain how to do something. For kindergarten students, this often involves focusing on simple tasks they are familiar with, like brushing their teeth or building a snowman. This unit introduces key concepts like capital letters, letter formation, and simple sentences. By the end of the unit, students should be able to write complete sentences and include basic illustrations to enhance their work.
Ways to Introduce How to Writing
Introducing how-to writing in a kindergarten classroom can be fun and hands-on. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas:
Picture Sequencing Activities
Using themes like how to dress for winter or how to build a snowman is a great way to introduce the concept. Provide students with cards showing steps in picture form, such as putting on a coat, scarf, and mittens, or rolling snowballs and stacking them.
Students can work in small groups or during whole group time to put the pictures in order and practice describing each step aloud.
Read a Short Story or Mentor Text
Introduce a mentor text that matches the theme. Reading real texts shows students examples of simple tasks written in short sentences. Discuss how authors use simple words and speech bubbles to make their writing clear and readable. (Check out my suggestions below.)
Demo Lesson on Chart Paper
Model the process of writing a simple how-to story, such as washing your hands. Write the steps on chart paper while students watch, focusing on using sight words, starting sentences with capital letters, and ending with punctuation. This provides a clear example for students to refer to during their independent writing time.
How to Writing Mentor Texts
Mentor texts are invaluable in this unit. They show students the structure of how-to books and make the writing process feel achievable. Some favorites include:
- How to Draw a Unicorn by Lulu Mayo
- First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
- How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan
- How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan
- How to Catch a Gingerbread Man by Adam Wallace
These books provide examples of complete sentences and can inspire graphic organizers and ideas for student writing goals displays.
How to Writing Ideas
Need inspiration for writing topics? Here are some ideas to help kindergarten teachers kickstart their unit:
- How to Catch a Gingerbread Man – A fun tie-in for gingerbread week during the holidays.
- How to Make Hot Chocolate – Perfect for winter-themed dramatic play.
- How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly– Great for at-home connections.
- How to Make a Pizza – Perfect for any pizza lover.
- How to Build a Sandcastle – A creative addition to the end of the year.
Editable lesson plans can help adapt these ideas for whole group, small groups, or independent writing.
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Tips for Success in the How to Writing Unit
- Build fine motor skills with activities like cutting, drawing, and tracing to support letter formation and basic illustrations.
- Incorporate a word wall with sight words and other common vocabulary to support students’ own writing.
- Teach the writing process by starting with a rough draft, moving to readable sentences, and finishing with a polished piece.
- Connect to previous lessons by reinforcing concepts from earlier in the year, like letter sounds and oral language.
- Celebrate the end of the unit with a share time where students present their how-to books to the class.
A Note for Kindergarten Teachers
Teaching how-to writing is more than just meeting writing standards—it’s about inspiring young learners to see themselves as authors. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, this unit can be one of the most rewarding parts of your kindergarten writing curriculum. Good luck, and happy writing!
