DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH WRITING
Day 1 ELEMENTS OF DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS
Nov. 7th
Today the students were introduced to descriptive paragraph elements. We focused on a descriptive paragraph being a "snapshot" of time rather than continuous moments (like a narrative). We also discussed the use of similes and metaphors as a tool to compare objects that share a common feature and enrich description. The students were given the following introductory note:
Today the students were introduced to descriptive paragraph elements. We focused on a descriptive paragraph being a "snapshot" of time rather than continuous moments (like a narrative). We also discussed the use of similes and metaphors as a tool to compare objects that share a common feature and enrich description. The students were given the following introductory note:
| an_introduction_to_description.jpg |
We then analyzed a set of 5 descriptive paragraphs written by different authors and then broke them down in terms of the use of the senses to describe the scene.
| examples_of_descriptive_paragraphs_and_chart_001.jpg |
| examples_of_descriptive_paragraphs_and_chart.jpg |
| examples_of_descriptive_paragraphs_and_chart_002.jpg |
The students were asked to complete the Descriptive Paragraph Chart for homework.
Due Tuesday, November 8th
Due Tuesday, November 8th
Day 2 "Beefing up" Boring Paragraphs
Nov. 9
Today we reviewed the elements of descriptive paragraph writing. We descussed aspects of language that enhances the visual picture of a scene in our eyes. For example words like "look" do not provide enough detail, however replacing this with "glance or stare" enables the reader to better understand the authors intention. We also discussed "triple spacing", rough copies of writing in order to allow space to revise and enhance the initial draft. The students were provided with an example of a paragraph that had virtually no detail. They were also allowed a quick glance at a visual picture that inspired the paragrpah. As a class we discussed/ edited the initial paragraph and made it much more interesting and detailed. We watched a video tutorial based on descriptive paragraph writing. You can watch the video here:
Today we reviewed the elements of descriptive paragraph writing. We descussed aspects of language that enhances the visual picture of a scene in our eyes. For example words like "look" do not provide enough detail, however replacing this with "glance or stare" enables the reader to better understand the authors intention. We also discussed "triple spacing", rough copies of writing in order to allow space to revise and enhance the initial draft. The students were provided with an example of a paragraph that had virtually no detail. They were also allowed a quick glance at a visual picture that inspired the paragrpah. As a class we discussed/ edited the initial paragraph and made it much more interesting and detailed. We watched a video tutorial based on descriptive paragraph writing. You can watch the video here:
Today the students were asked to "beef-up" two boring paragraphs by adding the necessary descriptive detail to create a better visual picture for the reader. The assignment and corresponding visuals can be found below.
| descriptive_paragraph_examples.jpg |
| bringing_in_the_herd.jpg |
| at_the_old_swimming_hole.jpg |
Due: Thursday November 10
Day 3 Remembrance Day Descriptive Paragraph
Nov. 10
Today we shared a few of the student's descriptive paragraphs from last night. We analyzed their choice of vocabulary and their ability to create a visual impression of the scene. We reviewed the elements of effective descriptive paragraphs ( catchy title and introductory sentence to capture the reader's attention; several "body" sentences that appeal to a variety of senses to increase sensory details; a concluding sentence that ties the ideas together). We followed this by examining the criteria of the assignment and the accompanying rubric as a class. Then we gave them two visual pictures and they must select one of these and complete a descriptive paragraph for it.
Today we shared a few of the student's descriptive paragraphs from last night. We analyzed their choice of vocabulary and their ability to create a visual impression of the scene. We reviewed the elements of effective descriptive paragraphs ( catchy title and introductory sentence to capture the reader's attention; several "body" sentences that appeal to a variety of senses to increase sensory details; a concluding sentence that ties the ideas together). We followed this by examining the criteria of the assignment and the accompanying rubric as a class. Then we gave them two visual pictures and they must select one of these and complete a descriptive paragraph for it.
| descriptive_paragraph_assignment.jpg |
| descriptive_paragraph_assignment_rubric.jpg |
| trench_picture.jpg |
| dieppe-raid.jpg |
Due: Monday Nov. 14