To demonstrate to students how important it is to give directions properly, ask them to give directions to a simple process. For example, have them write directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or directions to the playground. Choose a few of the directions and actually follow them. Make a peanut butter sandwich exactly as the student wrote down. Take a class trip to the playground following the directions you were given exactly. Chances are, the directions will be incorrect, even in the slightest ways and the students will see that if directions are bad the task at hand can be very difficult
To teach plot sequence, have the students pair up and read a short story. Each pair of students should be reading a different story. Then, have each group write down at least 10 important things that happened in the book. Mix the events up and give them to another pair of students. Ask those students to put the plot in order and then present the story that they did not read to the classroom, using only the 10 facts they were given. This will teach students to discern what is important in a story, what facts are not important to the plot and help the second group of students learn to sequence events.
Before having middle school students create timelines for history or science, have them create a timeline of their own life. This will teach students to organize chronologically and give you a chance to get to know them better. Have them create timelines of their lives before middle school. Have them decorate the timelines and display the timelines around the classroom. Not only will this teach them chronological sequencing, it will also teach them about prioritization and what should be included on a timeline. This is a skill they will be able to use in other classes.
This is a great project to do around the holidays, although you could use it at any time of the year. Have the students write down the steps to making a meal, perhaps Thanksgiving dinner. They should outline how to roast the turkey, set the table and prepare the side dishes. Then, have the students share their meal plans, including how to make everything and any special traditions that their family may have around the table. Assemble every meal plan and compile into a class cookbook.