Teachers can Successfully Teach Descriptive Writing by Utilizing this Process:
Based on our group rationale and scholarly sources, we have determined what the descriptive writing process may look like in the classroom. The questions posed below, which are answered in our rationales, are key entry points into the way a teacher can go about the process of descriptive writing within the classroom.
1. Lessons Surrounding Descriptive Writing: Getting To Know What Descriptive Writing Is
- What is descriptive writing?
- What does it look like?
- Why is it important?
- Introducing the Senses & Figurative Language
- Ask the kids about previous knowledge about descriptive writing
- Show students descriptive writing YouTube videos
- Demonstrate rich texts that exemplify descriptive writing with picture books as descriptive writing lesson lead ins
2. Demonstrating Examples & Modelling: Scaffolding Descriptive Writing Skills
a) Using Full Class Examples:
Example: In order to model reading and writing in the form of read-alouds to the whole class, the teacher can use two books, one that is full of rich, descriptive language, and another book that lacks the "Juicy" adjectives we want our students to strive for. The teacher can then model and scaffold student learning, possibly with the use of technology such as a SMARTboard, to compare and contrast what makes the one book descriptive, and how the students can change the language to make the sentences in the lacklustre book more descriptive.
Mini Lessons/Guided Writing- This is where teachers will teach lessons on writing and reading strategies/skills- Providing practice activities and supervise as students apply what they are learning (Tompkins, 2014).
b) Using Small-Group Work:
Teachers will provide opportunities for students to work in small groups and encourage student interaction and collaboration. Small group writing activities will support learning by allowing students to listen and share different ideas and perspectives. Hopefully by incorporating group work prior to independent writing, students will develop a deeper understanding about descriptive writing and how to begin the writing process.
Example: Mystery Bag: Students will work in small groups with one object from a mystery bag. They will have prior knowledge with using the 5 senses and coming up with "Juicy" words that describe their object. They will learn how to work together and respect each other’s thoughts and ideas, which will strengthen their own writing.
c) Using Individual Examples:
Example: Students will now have basic competencies of what descriptive writing looks like from classroom and
group work examples due to the scaffolding of these skills. An example of an entry point for individual descriptive writing is utilizing a picture prompt to create a piece of work. Students will have a sheet of paper where they will incorporate the 5 senses to describe to the audience what the picture portrays. Student knowledge of figurative language and "Juicy" words will help them demonstrate what the picture prompt shows.
Once the students have written their pieces, they can then pair with other classmates to determine if what they have written is actually describing what the prompt shows and if it appeals to the senses. This sharing process will get the students to think about their own writing, and how and where they can change it to enhance their
writing.
Independent Writing- Students chose their own topics and move to their own pace as they develop and refine writing, however, teachers still monitor and play a role in these activities. Provide authentic literacy experiences and develop lifelong readers and writers (Tompkins, 2014).
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/9/9/23995622/1836469.jpg)
This picture is an example of a picture prompt students can use for their individual descriptive writing pieces, while they explore the senses, "Juicy" words, and figurative language.
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/9/9/23995622/9745225.jpg)
This book is an example of a rich, descriptive text that a teacher can use to inspire student thinking.
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/9/9/23995622/4238395.gif?203)
This book is an example of a well-known text that a teacher can use to compare and contrast simple writing from writing filled with "Juicy" words.