One Idea Per Step: Simplify Complex Instructions
Give one action at a time when a task has several instructions, then check understanding before moving on.
Worked model: One Idea Per Step: Simplify Complex Instructions
- 1Separate the actions
- 2Model the first move
- 3Check and continue
- 4Reconnect the purpose
Science: Use a Frayer-style model for evaporation: define it, sketch it, give a puddle example and distinguish it from boiling.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Use the four steps with a short task from this week’s subject lesson; collect one response from every learner.
- 1
Separate the actions: Rewrite a long direction as short numbered steps.
- 2
Model the first move: Show what to do with the materials or text.
- 3
Check and continue: Ask a learner to restate the next action before it begins.
- 4
Reconnect the purpose: At the end, explain how the steps built towards the learning goal.
EAL upgrade
Keep the subject goal and source intact. Offer one brief model, visual or language prompt, then give learners time to try it independently.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Use the four steps with a short task from this week’s subject lesson; collect one response from every learner.
Separate the actions: Rewrite a long direction as short numbered steps. Model the first move: Show what to do with the materials or text.
Look for an independent response that shows the subject relationship, not only repetition of the model. Compare it with the task goal and identify the next useful teaching step.
Keep the subject goal and source intact. Offer one brief model, visual or language prompt, then give learners time to try it independently.
What to look for
Look for an independent response that shows the subject relationship, not only repetition of the model. Compare it with the task goal and identify the next useful teaching step.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Give one action at a time when a task has several instructions, then check understanding before moving on.
What helped you make sense of that?” “Show how your evidence supports your answer.
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Maths: Sort examples of equivalent fractions and explain why 2/3 and 4/6 belong together.
Humanities: Compare two sources about migration and name one useful similarity and difference.
English: Build a word network for “isolated” using a quotation, image, synonym and original sentence.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.