This fun and practical Year 1 writing unit from our Real Writing collection explores instructional writing through a model text by published children’s author Dan Smith.
Pupils will read a simple set of instructions for making a honey sandwich and then plan, design, make and write their own instructions for creating sandwiches for a teddy bears’ picnic.
All our Real Writing units follow a carefully mapped framework, providing two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning, including teacher notes, slides, activity sheets, planning templates and PowerPoint presentations.
The model text is available in three PDF versions – plain, illustrated and annotated – with annotated and non-annotated slides to support flexible teaching.
Curriculum links
This unit links directly to Year 1 English objectives, focusing on writing instructions, sentence structure, imperative verbs, sequencing, punctuation and vocabulary.
It also complements design technology, allowing pupils to design and prepare food, and encourages practical learning through a hands-on teddy bears’ picnic.
Pupils will practise sequencing instructions with time adverbials, punctuating sentences accurately and orally rehearsing sentences before writing.
Vocabulary focus
Pupils will explore Tier 2 vocabulary such as delicious, tub, jar and half, alongside Tier 3 words including sandwich, sandwich filling, table knife, teaspoon, bread, honey, butter, spread.
Common exception words (the, a, you, your, be, some, put, love, one, of, to, are, is) are practised in context, helping pupils read and spell words accurately.
Pupils will also learn the vowel digraph ea in a range of words, developing phonics and reading skills within meaningful writing.
Key teaching activities
Pupils will begin by exploring a teddy bears’ picnic and discuss what is needed to prepare for it. They'll read Dan Smith’s model text, identifying its structure, numbered steps and imperative verbs.
Pupils will then design and make their own sandwiches, photographing each step to support the writing process.
Sequencing activities help pupils plan their instructions, drawing pictures and orally rehearsing sentences for each step. Pupils will then write their own instructions, using imperative verbs, time adverbials, correct punctuation, spacing and descriptive vocabulary.
Support and challenge options allow pupils to work collaboratively or independently, adding equipment lists, introductions and conclusions where appropriate.
Resources included
- Model text by Dan Smith (PDF and PowerPoint)
- Teacher notes, slides and activity sheets
- Vocabulary cards for Tier 2 and Tier 3 words
- Common exception word cards
- Sandwich design and planning sheets
- Instruction sequencing images and posters
Pupil outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Write clear, sequenced instructions for making a sandwich
- Use imperative verbs, time adverbials and vocabulary accurately
- Apply correct punctuation, spacing and sentence structure
- Design and prepare sandwiches for a teddy bears’ picnic
- Read, check and perform their instructions with confidence
This unit develops both literacy and practical skills, giving pupils the confidence to write instructions clearly while engaging in a creative, hands-on activity.