Day 1:Children were asked to observe the image carefully and share their observations using descriptive language.After this,they were shown the video and asked to make a note of the important aspects of Descriptive writing.
Day 2
Start the session by showing children a sample of Descriptive writing using the "Descriptive Five Senses"
Example (Describing a Beach Ball):
Look:
The beach ball is colorful with bright blue, yellow, and red stripes. It's round and bouncy.
Listen:
The beach ball makes a soft sound when it's tapped or bounced. It's not loud but adds to the playful atmosphere.
Touch:
The surface of the beach ball is smooth and a little cool to the touch. It's easy to grip and hold.
Smell:
The beach ball doesn't have a distinct smell, but if it's being used at the beach, there might be a hint of salt in the air.
Taste:
Even though you wouldn't actually taste a beach ball, students can use their imagination. Maybe it would taste like a mix of summer fruits because it's associated with outdoor fun.
Task: Children were shown a video and asked to describe the same using the "Descriptive Five Senses"
Link to Video:https://youtu.be/LC2Egw1Yfjc?feature=shared://youtu.be/hMAS4SdPj-w?feature=shared
Learning Outcomes:
This routine helps students engage their senses and use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for their readers.
It also allows them to tap into their imagination, making the writing process more enjoyable.
"Descriptive Five Senses":
Look:
Look at the subject closely. Pay attention to its appearance, colors, shapes, and any interesting details. Encourage students to notice what they see.
Listen:
If applicable, think about any sounds related to the subject. This might include natural sounds, like birds chirping, or man-made sounds, like the hum of a computer. Encourage students to think about what they hear.
Touch:
If possible, consider the texture or feel of the subject. Is it rough, smooth, soft, or hard? Encourage students to imagine what it might feel like to touch the subject.
Smell:
Consider any smells associated with the subject. This could be the scent of flowers, the freshness of rain, or any other relevant smells. Encourage students to think about what they might smell.
Taste:
While not every subject may have a taste, encourage students to use their imagination. If it's a food item, what might it taste like? If it's an object, what do they imagine it would taste like if it had a taste?
Day 3-Children would be shown an image/allowed to choose any object of their choice and describe the same using "Descriptive Five Senses"
Using the "Descriptive Five Senses" we created the first draft of our Descriptive story. Children chose an image referring to which they were given topic words and they framed sentences catering to each sense.
As a continuation to the task,children were asked to join all sentences and frame a short story with a title!
Descriptive Story Starters
For example, "In a magical forest, there was a tree that..." or "On a deserted island, a mysterious creature lurked..." This can spark their imagination and encourage descriptive writing.
Day 4:
Create a Descriptive Word Wall:
Collaboratively build a word wall with descriptive words. Encourage students to contribute words they find interesting or powerful. Refer to this word wall during writing activities to enhance vocabulary.
To further illustrate the power of descriptive writing, here are a few examples:
Example 1 - Describing a Beach Scene:
The sun's golden rays kissed the soft sand as the waves crashed against the shore. The salty scent of the ocean filled the air, blending with the sweet aroma of coconut sunscreen. Laughter echoed through the beach as children built sandcastles and seagulls soared overhead.
Example 2 - Describing a Birthday Party:
Colorful balloons bobbed in the air, their strings tied to the back of chairs. The room was filled with the joyful chatter of friends and family, accompanied by the lively melody of happy birthday songs. The aroma of freshly baked cake wafted through the room, tempting taste buds and causing mouths to water.
Example 3 - Describing a Forest:
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of towering trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was filled with the earthy scent of moss and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers. Birds chirped in harmony, their melodies echoing through the tranquil forest, while squirrels scurried along tree branches, their fluffy tails twitching.
Example 4 - Describing a Haunted House:
The dilapidated house stood ominously at the end of a desolate street, its faded paint peeling away to reveal the weathered wood beneath. Broken windows appeared like vacant eyes, staring out into the night. A chilling breeze whispered through the cracked walls, carrying with it the faint sound of creaking floorboards and distant whispers.
Example 5 - Describing a Thunderstorm:
Dark clouds gathered overhead, blocking out the once-blue sky. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a low and menacing growl. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the landscape with its jagged brilliance. Rain poured down in torrents, drumming against the windows and creating a symphony of pitter-patter on the ground.
Example 6 - Describing a bustling city street:
The city street buzzed with activity, a cacophony of honking horns and hurried footsteps. Neon signs flickered and illuminated the night, casting a vibrant glow on the bustling crowd. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of exhaust fumes. Tall buildings towered overhead, casting long shadows that stretched across the pavement.
Here are some prompts that can help students get started with their descriptive writing:
Describe your favorite place in nature. Close your eyes and imagine a place in nature that brings you joy. It could be a beach, a forest, a park, or any other outdoor setting. Write a descriptive paragraph that captures the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of being in that place.
Describe a special object in your room. Choose an object in your room that is meaningful to you. It could be a toy, a book, a piece of artwork, or anything else that holds significance. Describe the object in detail, including its appearance, texture, and any memories or emotions associated with it.
Describe a favorite food. Think about a food that you absolutely love. Describe it using sensory details such as taste, texture, and aroma. Try to make the reader's mouth water as they read your description.
Describe a memorable experience. Think of a time when you had a memorable experience, such as a vacation, a birthday party, or a special outing. Write a descriptive paragraph that captures the sights, sounds, and emotions of that experience. Make the reader feel like they were there with you.
Describe a character from a book or movie. Choose a character from a book or movie that you really like. Describe their appearance, personality traits, and any unique features that make them stand out. Bring the character to life on the page with your descriptive writing.
Describe a rainy day. Imagine a rainy day and think about how it looks, sounds, and feels. Describe the raindrops, the smell of the wet ground, the sound of rain hitting the windows, and any activities or emotions associated with a rainy day.