MINI LESSON: Descriptive Writing

Descriptive Writing

Overview:

In this lesson, students will create a visual based on a descriptive passage from a story to better understand the use of descriptive language in a text. If desired, the different visuals created based on the descriptions can be hung around the classroom as a timeline of how the setting changes as the story develops. Students will use their visuals to create a Post from scratch, and will include the descriptive passage in the text field. Students will use the Audio feature to explain their work.

Objectives:

• I can make a visual representation of the descriptive language used in a piece of literature, paying close attention to figurative language and tone.
• I can share my work with others and explain my thought process.

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4

Vocabulary:

• Imagery

Materials:

• Excerpts from a novel, short story, etc. (Ex. wallpaper description in “The Yellow Wallpaper”)
• Materials for creating a visual (paper/markers, digital paint application)
• One to one devices
• Individual student posts

Lesson Outline:

• Part One: Assign the Text

• Assign each student or group of students a different descriptive passage from a text. Instruct the students to read the passage carefully and create a visual based on the description.

• Part Two: Create the Visuals

• Allow students time to draw/color their interpretations of the passages given to them.
• When time is up, have students use their one-to-one devices to capture a picture of their masterpieces.

• Part Three: Get Digital

• Have students log in to their Write About accounts and have them create Posts from scratch using the picture they just took of their artwork.
• In the text field, have students copy/paste (or type) the passage they were assigned so that other classmates know which part of the text the artistic representation reflects.
• Finally, have students use the Audio feature to explain their thought process while creating their visual. Here’s an example Post of a finished product.

Enrichment/Extensions:

• Have students reflect (in writing or in audio) about how the setting may affect the plot.
• Have students work with multiple passages.
• Have students comment on the work of their classmates.

Accommodations:

• Use the Description area when creating an Idea to provide step-by-step instructions or links to instructional references (ie skill videos, visual aids, etc).
• Use the audio tool to record instructions when creating an Idea. You can read the Idea and Idea Description text out loud so students can listen and replay them as needed.
• Modify the lesson to include small groups and be sure to follow provided personalized accommodations based upon any student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).