Easy Ring Toss--Writing Instructions-Fun Writing Ideas for Kids

Kids love this writing lesson because the easy art accent entails making their own ring toss and playing it later!

Pilgrim and Native American Children Games

The idea stemmed from a Thanksgiving one year when I was teaching Kindergarten. The kindergartners and I were discussing what life was like for the pilgrims and Native Americans. We were imagining materials that would have been available to the children back then (rocks, shells, feathers, reeds of grass, sticks etc.) and games that they could have played.

The Ring Toss!

I came up with the ring toss craft and ended up making it with the kindergartners several years in a row. The ring toss was a big hit each time! Then, I decided to use it in a writing workshop where my students had to make their own ring toss and then write the instructions on how they did it.

Here’s that writing lesson!

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Common Core State Standards

NOTE: This lesson can address the following Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA.LITERACY.W.K.2, W.1.2, W.2.2, W.3.2, W.3.2.A, W.3.2.C, W.3.2.D, W.4.2, W.4.2.D, W.4.2.E, W.5.2, W.5.2.D and W.5.2.E.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Materials

To make the ring toss, you simply need a stick, pipe cleaner* and 24” piece of yarn*. A popsicle stick* can work just as well as an outdoor stick.

Find a Good Stick

But, I will say that finding a good stick is half the fun for kids. If you’re a homeschooling parent, try your best to take or make the time to go on a stick hunt. A stick about a foot long seems to work best. It should be a stick that skinny enough to catch the ring, but not so thin that it snaps easily.

Steps

First, cut the pipe cleaner in half.

2. Form one of the halves into a circle and twist the ends tightly around the circle so they’re not poking out.

3. Tie one end of the yarn to the circle. I found that K-1 Grade students typically need help with the tying. Older kids can usually do it by themselves.

4. Tie the other end of the yarn to the stick. Done!

NOW FOR THE WRITING LESSON!

To get a full understanding on how I conduct each writing lesson you may want to read the Writing Prompts Introduction post. The lesson outlined below (and all other prompts posted) will make more sense and be easier to follow and use. Here’s the lined paper I use for Grades K-2 and Grades 2-7

Tell the Story Line

Tell the story line: You just finished making your own ring toss. Now, you’re going to write out the instructions so someone else can make it.

Brainstorm

2. Give the students time to recall the materials they used and the steps they took. Have them speak these items out loud. Write them on the board.

Show the 5 Sections

Introduction (Engage the reader.)

Materials

Steps 1 and 2

Steps 3 and 4

Conclusion (Encourage the reader.)

As mentioned in my writing prompts introduction: K-1^st Graders are encouraged to write 1 sentence for each section, 2^nd Graders 2 sentences, 3^rd Graders 3 sentences and so on.

NOW TO WRITE!

Guide the students through the following steps.

Write the title on the first line in the center.
Engage the reader by asking questions about Thanksgiving fun or Pilgrim/Native American childhood activities.
Write the word MATERIALS on the next line, left side and list them.
Skip a line.
On the next line, left side, write INSTRUCTIONS or STEPS

Younger or Struggling Writers

Encourage young writers to write a sentence for each material listed. Have them use the words, First, Next, Then, Last.

For example:

First, get a stick.

Next, make a circle.

Then, tie the yarn.

Last, play!

Older or Advanced Writers

Encourage older writers to elaborate their instructions for each material. They can also use the words, First, Next, Then, Last.

For example:

First, go outside and find a small, sturdy stick.

Next, cut a pipe cleaner into two equal parts. Form one half into a circle.Tightly twist the ends of the pipe cleaner around the circle.

Then, cut a piece a yarn so that it’s 24 inches long. Tie one end of the yarn to the circle. Tie the other end of the yarn to the stick.

Last, hold the stick in one hand. Swing the ring up into the air and try to catch it onto the end of your stick. Count how many times you catch it!

Additional Writing for Older Students

Have the older students write out how to play the ring toss as well. Check out this example. Check out this example.

Conclusion

Lastly, write a conclusion that encourages the reader to make the ring toss and play it!

Print the Lesson

Here’s the full lesson for you to print out and use.

GAMES TO PLAY!

Correct the Paragraph

Instructions Game: THANKSGIVING to GOBBLE GOBBLE

The kids love the mystery of this Thanksgiving game every time we play it!

Here’s how you play!

Have your students write in big letters THANKSGIVING at the top of a clean piece of paper.

The Steps

Read through the following steps for students to follow on their paper.

Write THANKSGIVING on your paper.
Switch the first and last letters. (GHANKSGIVINT)
Change the 3rd and 4th letters to the 2nd letter of the alphabet. (GHBBKSGIVINT)
Change the 5th and 11th letters to an L. (GHBBLSGIVILT)
Change the 9th and 10th letters to a B. (GHBBLSGIBBLT)
Change the 2nd and 8th letters to an o. (GOBBLSGOBBLT)
Change the 6th and 12th letters to an e. (GOBBLEGOBBLE)
Insert a space between the 6th and 7th letters. (GOBBLE GOBBLE)
Answer the question: What does a turkey say?

They should end up with the word GOBBLE GOBBLE if they followed the instructions correctly.