55 Great How-To Writing Ideas for First Grade

If you’re working on a how-to writing unit with first graders, you’ll find this list of engaging how-to writing ideas for first grade kids helpful.

Understanding how to sequence the steps of a process is an important skill that students will use often in reading and writing.

By doing so clearly and fully, readers will understand exactly what needs to be done in order to complete a task.

So providing ample opportunities for first graders to practice this skill is a great idea.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best how-to writing ideas for first grade students.

Not only will you find a variety of topics here, but you’ll discover ideas that are engaging, fun, and relatable to first graders.

So pencil into your writer’s workshop lesson plans this coming week a few of these how-to writing ideas for first grade kids. They’ll love responding to these prompts! 

How-To Writing Ideas for First Grade

Many of these how-to writing ideas for first grade students work well as first-grade writing mini-lesson ideas.

1. Explain how to make a sandwich.

2. Explain how to grow a flower.

3. Tell how to care for a dog. 

4. Explain how to make a hot dog. 

5. Explain how to be a good son or daughter. 

6. Explain how to make a new friend. 

7. Explain how to make a salad. 

8. Explain how to make slime

9. Explain how to be kind.

10. Tell how to eat a boiled egg. 

11. Explain how to play your favorite P.E game. 

12. Explain how to decorate a Christmas tree. 

13. Explain how to behave during an assembly. 

14. Explain how to solve a jigsaw puzzle. 

15. Tell how to break a piñata. 

16. Explain how to make applesauce. 

17. Explain how to improve reading skills. 

18. Explain how to brush dirty teeth.

19. Tell how to blow bubbles. 

20. Explain how to do your classroom helper job well. 

21. Explain how to make an ice cream sundae. 

22. Explain how to throw a baseball. 

23. Explain how to care for a hamster. 

24. Explain how to prepare for a spelling test. 

25. Tell how to write a letter.

26. Explain how to be a good friend. 

27. Explain how to make scrambled eggs. 

28. Explain how to spend a rainy day. 

29. Explain how to choose a “just right” book. 

30. Explain how to read a book.

31. Explain how to make a taco.

32. Explain how to carve a pumpkin. 

33. Tell how to wash your hands. 

34. Explain how to get ready for school. 

35. Explain how to ride a bike. 

36. Explain how to assemble a hamburger. 

37. Explain how to be a good sibling. 

38. Explain how to prepare a bowl of cereal. 

39. Tell how to write an acrostic poem. 

40. Explain how to play your favorite game. 

41. Explain how to fly a kite. 

42. Explain how to sharpen a pencil. 

43. Explain how to organize a desk. 

44. Explain how to plant a tree. 

45. Explain how to be a respectful student. 

46. Explain how to show good manners. 

47. Explain how to play hide-and-seek. 

48. Tell how to make your bed. 

49. Explain how to make hot chocolate. 

50. Explain how to go from your classroom to the nurse’s office.

51. Tell how to care for a cat. 

52. Explain how to pack up at the end of the school day.

53. Explain how to play a musical instrument. 

54. Explain how to eat an oreo.

55. Explain how to play respectfully at recess. 

Final Thoughts On How-To Writing Ideas for First Grade

Now you have a resource of first grade how-to writing ideas that may be used for a variety of writing activities during your how-to writing unit.

Using these ideas, students will learn how to clearly explain how to be, make, or do something step-by-step.

Related: 101 How-to Writing Ideas and 60+ How-to Writing Prompts