When the green leaves start to grow and flowers begin to sprout, take students outdoors to spark ideas for creative writing. Tell students that they are going to be describing an item they see in such detail that another student could draw it from the description. It will be a welcome break from the norm and may motivate students to write some great pieces.
Preparation for Going Outside
Before taking any large group anywhere, it is important to tell the class the rules. Make sure that students have a notebook that is sturdy enough to write on without a desk. In addition, students need to stay with the group and attend to all school rules. Also, their task needs to be clear.
The teacher needs to have a digital camera to take a picture of each student's item. Each student will need a photo of the item to finish writing the essay and be able to project the item in the classroom for all to see at a later date.
Descriptive Writing Idea
Before tromping outside, tell students that they will need to find something interesting to describe, such as a leaf, a tree, a flower, a puddle, a swing, a rock, a plant, a window, etc. Once the students have selected an item, the teacher needs to take a photo of the items for the students to use later and for the presentation.
In addition, the students need to look for anything unique about the item that they can describe. They should discuss color, shape, size, unique markings, etc. The students should brainstorm a list of everything they want to write about the items.
Writing the Draft
After they have chosen their items, bring students back to the classroom. They should take their brainstormed list and begin writing a rough draft of the descriptive essays. The teacher should give each student a photo of the item to help the student to write a great essay. Make sure to tell students to write interesting introductions, good descriptive body paragraphs and a strong conclusion.
After students have completed rough drafts, they each should ask one person in the room to draw the item from the descriptive essay. If the other student is able to draw the item, the essay flows well. If it does, and if the essay has few grammar errors, the student may write the final copy. If the other student can't draw the item,or if the essay needs revision, students should do more work and try the process again before making a final copy.
Presenting Writing
After the students have written their final copies, they need to read the essays to the class. The whole class will try to draw the item. When the student is finished reading the piece, the photo will be shown to the class. Students can discuss if the essay was descriptive enough.
This lesson allows the students to breathe fresh air while completing creative writing. In addition, students will go through the writing process and present their work to the class. The students who are able to get the entire class to draw the item correctly should receive high marks and maybe a prize from the teacher.
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