Following Instructions Step by Step

Kindergarten · Technology · Study Guide

Learn why it is important to follow directions one step at a time.

When we use a computer or do any task, we often need to follow instructions. Instructions are directions that tell us what to do.

It is very important to follow instructions in order. That means we do the first step first, the second step second, and so on. If we skip a step or do steps in the wrong order, things might not work out the way we want.

Imagine you want to make a sandwich. First you get the bread. Then you add peanut butter. Then you add jelly. Then you put the top piece of bread on. If you put the top piece of bread on before the peanut butter, your sandwich would not taste right!

Computers follow instructions in order too. When you want to draw a picture on a computer, you might first open the drawing program, then pick a color, then draw your picture. Each step builds on the one before.

When you read instructions, look for words like first, next, then, and last. These words tell you the order to do things. Taking your time and reading carefully helps you follow instructions correctly.

Key terms

instructions: Directions that tell you what to do
step: One action in a list of things to do
order: Doing things in the right sequence, one after another
first: A word that tells you to do something before everything else
next: A word that tells you what to do after the first thing
last: A word that tells you the final thing to do

Flashcards

Instructions: Directions that tell you what to do
Step: One action in a set of directions
Order: Doing things one after another in the right sequence
First: Tells you to do this action before all others
Next: Tells you what to do after the step before it
Last: Tells you the final action to do
Then: A word meaning after that, used to show the next step

Questions

What does it mean to follow instructions in order?
1. Do any step whenever you want
2. Do the first step first, second step second, and so on
3. Skip the steps you do not like
4. Only do the last step
Show answer
Answer: Do the first step first, second step second, and so on
Following instructions in order means completing each step in the correct sequence before moving to the next.
It does not matter what order you follow the steps in instructions.
Show answer
Answer: False
Order matters a lot. Doing steps out of order can lead to wrong or confusing results.
The word _____ tells you to do something before everything else.
Show answer
Answer: first
The word 'first' signals the very first action you should take in a set of instructions.
Which word tells you what to do after the first step?
1. Last
2. Before
3. Next
4. Stop
Show answer
Answer: Next
The word 'next' tells you what comes after the previous step.
Computers also follow instructions in order to do their jobs.
Show answer
Answer: True
Computers run programs by following instructions in a specific order, just like people do.

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