Write a How-To Story

Lesson Plan Overview

Let students do some teaching! Have students create a storyboard that teaches how to do something for the winter holidays. This could be how to make a certain kind of holiday decoration, how to choose a gift for someone, how to wrap a present, how to make a great cup of hot chocolate, or anything else they'd like to teach!

The storyboard must include all the steps needed to complete the task. The steps can be directed to the reader using the imperative mood, or students can tell a pseudo-story like the example of “How to Play the Dreidel” below!

The dreidel is a top most often used during the Hanukkah season.

1. Every player starts with the same number of game pieces. The game pieces can be candy, pennies, nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate coins referred to as "gelt".
2. Each player puts one game piece into the pot at the start of the round.
3. The first player spins the dreidel. What he does next is based on the side of the dreidel facing up after it stops spinning.
4. There are four sides to a dreidel and each has a Hebrew letter. The letters come from "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham" (a great miracle happened there), which refers to the miracle of the oil.
• Jimmy spins and the dreidel lands with the "shin" letter facing up. Jimmy has to put one of his game pieces into the pot in the middle.
• For Jakob's turn, the dreidel lands on "nun". "Nun" stands for "nothing", so Jakob doesn't give or get any gelt.
• Becky gets "gimel", which stands for all. Becky gets to take everything in the middle!
• Whenever the pot is empty, everyone needs to put one piece in again. If a player cannot put a piece in when they need to, that player is "out".
• It's Jimmy's turn again, and he spins to "he", for half. He takes half of the pieces in the pot. Since there is an odd number, he takes half of the amount rounded up: two pieces.
5. The game is over when all but one player is "out"!

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Frequently Asked Questions about Write a How-To Story

What is a how-to storyboard activity for winter holidays?

A how-to storyboard activity for winter holidays is a creative classroom project where students design illustrated step-by-step guides teaching how to do something seasonal—like making decorations, wrapping gifts, or preparing a holiday treat. This helps students practice sequencing, writing clear instructions, and using visuals to support learning.

How can students create a storyboard to teach a holiday skill?

To create a storyboard, students pick a holiday skill—such as making a craft or playing a game—then break it down into clear steps. Each step is written out and illustrated with scenes, characters, and dialogue. The storyboard should guide someone through the process from start to finish.

What are some easy holiday how-to topics students can teach?

Easy holiday how-to topics include making paper snowflakes, wrapping a present, choosing a thoughtful gift, preparing hot chocolate, or teaching how to play a traditional holiday game like dreidel. These activities are simple and relatable for K-12 students.

Why is teaching with storyboards effective in the classroom?

Storyboards make lessons engaging by combining writing, sequencing, and art. They help students organize ideas, communicate instructions visually, and develop presentation skills. This method also supports different learning styles and encourages creativity.

What steps should students follow to complete a how-to storyboard assignment?

Students should: 1) choose a topic; 2) outline each step needed; 3) write clear, concise instructions; 4) illustrate each step with scenes and relevant items; 5) use dialogue if helpful; and 6) review their storyboard to ensure it’s easy to follow and complete.