How-To Writing Prompts: 60+ Great Ideas

Practice procedural writing using these helpful how-to writing prompts.

Procedural writing consists of creating a writing piece that explains or gives instructions in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format.

In order to accomplish the desired result, the reader must follow the set of instructions precisely.

To teach this writing skill, procedural writing prompts serve the purpose well because they provide students with ideas for practicing procedural writing using familiar concepts.

Because of the deep connections students will have with these how-to topics, they’ll be excited to showcase their blossoming writing skills.

So include a few of these procedural writing prompts in your instruction this week.

Related: 25 great how-to books

How-To Writing Prompts

The following procedural writing prompts help students to develop their how-to writing skills.

  • How to care for a dog
  • How to care for a cat
  • How to be a good brother or sister
  • how to make a sandwich
  • How to care for a fish
  • How to make a mess
  • How to cross the street safely
  • How to be a good child to your parents
  • How to keep your bedroom organized
  • How to eat an Oreo cookie
  • How to behave in the library
  • How to line up after recess
  • How to behave during an assembly
  • How to stand up to a bully
  • How to be a great friend
  • How to show gratitude
  • How to make good grades
  • How to make your favorite snack
  • How to make a snowman
  • How to tie a shoe
  • How to eat a Reese’s Pieces Buttercup
  • How to make a milkshake
  • How to whistle
  • How to ask for forgiveness from someone you hurt
  • How to show the teacher that you appreciate her/him
  • How to be yourself
  • How to love yourself
  • How to write a text message
  • How to stay entertained without using any electronic devices
  • How to comb your hair
  • How to blow up a balloon
  • How to organize your desk
  • How to do a cartwheel or back flip
  • How to eat by oneself confidently
  • How to relax
  • Explain how to check out a book from the library.
  • Explain how to exit safely during a fire drill.
  • Explain how to decorate a Christmas tree.
  • Explain how to decorate an Easter egg.
  • Explain how to make an anchor chart.
  • Explain how to play your favorite board game.
  • Explain how to care for a pet.
  • Explain how to pack for a vacation.
  • Explain how to ride a bike.
  • Explain how to write a good paragraph.
  • Explain how to care for a plant.
  • Explain how to plant a flower.
  • Explain how to use context clues to figure out an unfamiliar word when reading.
  • Explain how to multiply one-digit numbers.
  • Explain how to conduct a science experiment.
  • Explain how to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.
  • Explain how to use a self-service checkout at the grocery store.
  • Explain how to make a bed.
  • Explain how to play a musical instrument.
  • Explain how to wash dishes.
  • Share how to pass a test.
  • Explain how to make a paper airplane.
  • Explain how to floss your teeth.
  • Explain how to use an app on your cell phone.
  • Explain how to get dressed.
  • Share how to train a dog.
  • Explain how to wash your hands properly.
  • Explain how to plan a surprise birthday party.
  • Explain how to make pizza or a favorite dish.
  • Explain how to play your favorite sport.
  • Explain how to create your favorite art project.
  • Tell how to relieve stress.

Final Thoughts: Procedural Writing Prompts

Now you have a quality collection of how-to writing prompts to use for various writing activities.

These procedural writing prompts provide students with the guidance they need when learning how to explain themselves clearly.

Download printable lined paper to use with how-to writing prompts.