One of my favorite forms of writing to enjoy with students is how-to tutorials. I love the humor that students incorporate into sharing step by step instruction with others and the freedom in composition. I also love starting how-to writing off by having students instruct me on how to make a peanut butter and jelly – an activity that requires lots of wipes on hand and is credited to Melanie Meehan!
This weekend, I found myself teaching my Dad how- to Venmo.
- “Okay, go to the App Store and search for Venmo.”
- “You don’t know your Apple ID? Dad, we go through this a lot! You need to know it. Did you write it down somewhere?”
- “Mom probably did.”
- “Okay, once you have that you can download the App.”
- Venmo is downloading.
- Downloaded!
- “Okay, no you need to set up your profile. Answer the questions it asks you.”
- [Dad inputs personal information.]
- “Okay, now we need to set it up with your Bank Account or Debit Card. It’s pretty secure, don’t worry.”
- [Dad links bank account.]
- “Okay, do you see the blue button that says pay or request?”
- “Yep.”
- “Okay, click that and then type in her Venmo name.”
- “Got her. Well, I think that’s her.”
- “Yeah, that looks right. (We’ll get to scanning their code at a later session). Okay, now type in the amount by clicking on the $ sign.”
- “And, now you can let her know what it’s for by typing there.”
- “Ohh, Dad. Most people just do like a word or two for what it’s for. And she already will know that it’s coming from you so no need to make it sound like an email.”
- “Interesting. So I shouldn’t make it personal?”
- “I guess a little. Most people choose like an emoji or something. They even created special ones for frequently used transactions – like for Chipotle and Uber.”
- “Oh, you must use those all the time Allie.”
- “Yeah. 😎 Oh, and Dad make sure you hit pay, not request.”
- “Got it.”
- “YOU did it!! Do you feel like a Venmo pro now?”
- “Mhmmm.”
How long do you think until he calls me again asking for help? Brad and I lovingly place our bets. 😆
Allie Writes 
Still. Cannot. Venmo. ..or is it won’t ?
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