Paint a Word Picture

Students become word artists as they use ordinary pictures to practice creating detailed descriptions. This technique helps your class learn how to paint a picture with words.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to use their five senses in writing to paint a picture by showing readers, not just telling.

Introduction

(10 minutes)

Introduce show don't tell writing to your students by telling them how using descriptive, or detailed, language can help the reader create a vivid picture in their mind.
Ask the class why they think this might be important for a reader. Answers should be along the lines of: It keeps the story interesting. It makes the story more lifelike. It makes the reader want to keep reading.
After your brief discussion, display one of your chosen images to the class. For example, it could be a picture of the beach.
Describe the picture poorly. Example: I went to the beach this weekend.
Ask students whether or not they were able to paint a picture in their head.

Lesson Plan

Paint a Word Picture

Grade

Subject

View aligned standards

Learning Objectives

Introduction