Writing Recipes for Instruction
Recently, we taught 5th graders how to write a procedure for a science experiment. Writing game felt similar in process, especially in the details.
I found that using a template of some sort (I used Catan Jr Directions) was extremely helpful to be as my guide to begin the process of writing instruction. Because my audience is 9-12 year olds (for the most part), Catan Junior layout and organization and explanation helped me wrap my head around what directions could look like for Equation Architects. It takes me a minute to fly from 30,000 in concept development to the details of creating the product. I've created lots of content in my life, but never a game. So this process was challenging for me because being in the details is not always my strong suit.
In writing the instructions for my game, I started with the sequencing of it -- the basics of how to play. I wrote and rewrote those several times, adding and subtracting, refining and iterating. The more I wrote and played around with the process, the more it morphed into something that made sense. When writing and producing a video, I follow a similar process. I know where I'm going, but there is surprise and delight in the journey.
Two things I found helpful in writing instructions were the guidelines for writing game instructions as well as the questions in the practice exercises. My weakness for details was supported by the guiding questions.
Once the instructions were at a solid draft level, I played the game with my husband. It was great to play test because I learned so much about interpretation, missing components, and how much detail. After we played several times, I revised the directions for clarity. Following, he sat with me while I read through the entire rule book making adjustments as we went.
