Translate formulae into processes

I need to translate a short biochemical equation into a step-by-step lab process for undergraduate students: convert the reaction E + S -> ES -> E + P into clear actions for mixing, incubation time, temperature, and how to record yields. Use plain English, name the reagents sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and substrate benzaldehyde, specify 37 degrees Celsius and a fifteen-minute incubation, and include one sentence on safety disposal.

Before I hand this chemical-to-procedure translation to first-year students, make it easier to follow: put the critical numbers up front (pH, temperature, time), use active verbs for each step, warn of one common beginner mistake that ruins the assay, and suggest a one-line checkpoint the TA should enforce.

Three students ran the converted protocol exactly and reported zero product. They followed the times, temperature, and pH I wrote. I worry my written steps miss an unstated assumption about reagent order or mixing speed. What is the most likely missing detail, and how should I rewrite the step to prevent this?

Every term I rewrite protocols for novices and still end up answering the same basic questions in lab every week. Where am I losing clarity in the writeups, and what single change to my template would prevent repetitive questions?