All about descriptive Writing !

Descriptive Writing  is a technique that includes sensory details and figurative language that you can create images of a person, place , object , emotion and even idea. Sensory details includes smell, taste , touch, sight , sound. Figurative language is the use of Non- literal phrases or words to create meaning in writing such includes simile , metaphor, hyperbole and Alliteration, Onomatopoeia. Simile uses like or as . Metaphor is a comparison that doesn't include like or as .

Lets talk about the Purpose of descriptive Writing .

The purpose of descriptive writing includes engaging the senses such as  Evoking emotions - Using different materials to slim our five senses.2. Evoking emotions this brings a picture to mind as well as as sense of feeling .3. Creating a mental image - perceiving an image , object or event when the relevant object is not present to the senses.4. Setting the Scene- describing a situation when something is about to happen .5. Enhancing clarity - Writing so that reader can understand what was written.

Examples of Figurative languages 

Onomatopoeia- 1.There was a loud crack. 

                            2. Her eyes were pools of blue .

Metaphor- As light as feather 

Personification -The flowers danced in the wind .

Alliteration- The sly snake slithers slowly in the sand.

Hyperbole- I haven't seen you in ages 

                    This homework is going to take years to finish

Organizations of descriptive pieces

Spatial Organization- This is based on the physical location of an object 

Chronological Organization- Arranges details in sequential order 

Order of Importance - Things done based on their significance and importance eg describing  a person you start from head to toe .

Thoughtful Organization - Convey Information makes it clear so everyone can understand .

How can teachers help.

When teachers are modelling descriptive writing , they should encourage students to use their 5 senses to create a more vivid and immense experience for the reader .

Some examples of words use to describe a 

taste- sweet, bitter, sour, savory, 

feel- soft, velvety, smooth , delicate 

sound - loud , high-pitch, soft, mellow

sight - bright , beautiful , clear , dazzling 

Bare in mind when writing a descriptive essay one must select the subject, select dominant details, organised details, use descriptive words and draw a logical conclusion.

2. Always give students guided practice to show support , if students need scaffolding it can be offered to them .

3. Feedback and Revision - Once students get feedback they will eventually improve in their writing 

4. Give writing prompts to have great descriptive pieces 

5. Encourage story telling

6. Have students do descriptive Journals -To expand their abilities as writers .

 Assessing descriptive Writing 

When assessing descriptive writing ensure you 

1. Have a rubric - It helps with the expectation of assignments and performances for using a criteria there are different kinds depending on the grade level.

Do a peer review - provide feedback to verify quality , accuracy and clarity when its published .

Have a checklist - Focus on key elements of writing which include sensory details and organisation

Have writing conferences - One on one between an author and experienced writer, editor or teacher .

Integrating the writing process and the 6 Plus 1 trait

prewriting - Selecting of a topic, purpose, organisation and flow of ideas, brainstorming sensory details .This includes the ideas and organisation of the 6 plus 1 trait

2. Drafting- Creating a hook or attention getter, and the use of descriptive language .

3.Revising- Using transitional words and trimming unnecessary details, it also includes using the correct word choice. 

Editing -Includes correcting grammar, spelling, sentence structure .

Publishing - Final Product , sharing platforms , addition of illustration if needs be .