Instructional Writing; How to make a PB&J

How to make a PB&J is a fun instructional writing activity that will have kids laughing and building on critical thinking skills.

Supplies for PB&J Activity

Set up Instructional Writing Activity

How to make a PB&J is a fun instructional writing activity that will have kids laughing and building on critical thinking skills.

Set out on the table a loaf of bread (twisty tied shut), a plate, a few plastic knives, a jar of jelly, and a jar of peanut butter (or soy butter)

Stand in front of the supplies and ask the kids how to make a PB&J. They will say something like “put the peanut butter on the bread.” Take what they say in literal terms. In this instance you would put the jar of peanut butter on the loaf of bread. Explain the importance of being specific for instructional writing.

Challenge the kids to write down very specific instructions as to how to make a PB&J. Each step should be numbered, and as specific as possible. Give them some examples such as, “pick up the knife” and “hold the jar with one hand and twist the lid with the other”

How to Run the Writing Activity

Gather the instruction once all the kids are have finished writing. Have the kids one at a time stand in front of the room. Then find that kids instructions and read them step by step, as you read the instructions as the kids to do as the instructions say. However if they missed a step there turn is over and they have to edit their instructions.

For example if the first instruction says. “Take two pieces of bread out of the bag.” but but there was no instruction to open the bag, the kids needs to edit the instructions and try again.

My Experience with this Writing Activity

It can be challenging to get kids excited about a writing activity, but this one does it. (Although it maybe the sandwich at the end that gets them excited) Once kids start following their instructions this activity becomes funny and enjoyable for everyone.

This is what I came up with for the complete instructions:

  1. Untwist the tie that holds the bread bag closed
  2. Remove two pieces of bread from the bag
  3. Set the two pieces of bread side by side on the plate
  4. Pick up the jelly jar with one hand
  5. Using your other hand untwist the lid
  6. Once the lid comes off set it down next to the plate
  7. Pick up a knife
  8. Put the knife in the jelly and scoop some out on the knife
  9. Set down the jar of jelly
  10. Using one hand hold the bread still on the plate
  11. Spread the jelly on the knife onto the bread
  12. Set down the knife
  13. Remove your hand from the plate
  14. Pick up the peanut butter jar with one hand
  15. With the other hand twist the lid of the peanut butter until it comes off
  16. Set the lid of the peanut butter next to the plate
  17. Pick up a clean knife
  18. Put the knife into the peanut butter and scoop out some peanut butter on the knife
  19. Set down the jar of peanut butter
  20. Using one hand hold the bread still
  21. Spread the peanut butter on the knife onto the non-jellied piece of bread
  22. Set down the knife
  23. Remove your hand from the plate
  24. Pick up the jellied piece of bread
  25. Flip it over and lay it on top of the peanut buttered side of the other piece of bread
  26. enjoy.

More Writing Activities

If you enjoyed how to make a PB&J you may also like “What’s the questions” This hilarious and creative writing activity give the answer and asks kids to come up with the question.

You may also like our list of 14 writing activities kids will enjoy. Kids will love writing a monster recipe book, a trailer to their favorite book, or even a blog.

Looking for even more writing activities? Scholastic has a great list of fun writing projects for kids. Click here to see more.