Create A How-To Video
Here's What To Do
1
Tell your child that they're going to make a video that explains how to do something. Ask your child to think of a daily task they know how to do well, like washing their hands or getting dressed.
2
Ask your child to explain how they perform this task in 3-4 steps. Write down what your child says.
3
Film video clips of your child performing each step. Ask them to explain each step out loud while they do it.
4
Watch the clips in order together. Does the video make sense all together? If not, make changes and record clips again.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile and say “let’s use your knowledge to make a how-to video.”
E
Engage:
- "We're going to make a video that explains how to do something. Pretend you're making the video for a little baby who is learning to do this for the first time."
- "What is the first step? What comes next? Then what? What is the final step?"
E
Encourage:
- If your child can't remember what to say, read back their explanations to them before you press "record."
- If your child isn't happy with their final video, remind them that part of writing is revising, or going back and fixing things. Then, change it up and record the new version.
R
Reflect:
- Send the video to people who know your child and share their feedback.
Not quite ready?
Make a how-to book instead.
Ready for more?
Have your child write a script for a fictional story, then film clips of them acting out the story.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to dictate informational writing to an adult and revise their writing.