Teaching Writing: Children

Lesson 3: Teaching Descriptive Writing

Practice

Eyes, Ears, Nose and Fingers

As a warm-up, have students concentrate on each of their senses as they brainstorm what they can see, hear, touch, and smell as they sit quietly at their desks. You may want to repeat this activity in other locations around your school such as in the lunchroom, at recess, or at a band concert. You can also add taste if your school allows treats such as Lifesaver candies!

Memory Walk

Let your students practice their description writing skills by taking a Memory Walk. Give students the following instructions, and then let them write:

1. Close your eyes and imagine being in a familiar place.
2. Think about what you see in your mind's eye in all directions. Take a good look all around.
3. Now, begin to jot down images of what you observed. Write down as many as you can.
4. Next, write a description of your memory walk.

After students have written their descriptions, let them share their writing with the class. This sometimes works better if the listeners close their eyes and go on the "walk" with the reader. Take time to note great descriptive words in each paragraph. Ask students if they could imagine the place being described as the paragraph was being read.

Draw What You Hear

Another way to give students practice with descriptions is by reading a short story with good description to your class. Choose one that describes the setting or the characters well. Read the story aloud and then have students make a drawing of the setting or the character. Display drawings when completed, and note details that appear in many students' drawings, and those that may have been included by just a few students.

Depending on the level of the class, you may want to formalize your instruction by including the term Adjective in your lessons.

Or, you may want to have your students try this 'Indescribably' Excellent Descriptions activity for more practice.

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