Throughout the week, the focus in LIT 102: Promoting Writing in Primary Grades, was on the explanation of descriptive writing. My colleagues and I were exposed to various aspects of descriptive writing. We were informed that a good descriptive writing piece creates a mental image in one’s mind. Specifically, this form of writing shows the reader vivid events as they unfold rather than simply telling what is taking place. This is primarily done using the five (5) senses (the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing). We call these sentences showing sentences.
From the lessons taught throughout the week,
what stood out the most to me was the activity that my lecturer Mrs. Lazarus
gave my colleagues and I. We were given Three (3) sentences (John was angry, a
storm was approaching, and it was a hot day.) and were asked to transform these
sentences into showing sentences using a sensory approach. This activity stood
out to me because it challenged me to think more creatively when writing simple
descriptive sentences. Additionally, we were further tasked with identifying
the dominant impressions in our peers’ sentences. For instance, the showing
sentence that I created for a storm was approaching was, ‘dark grey clouds gathered,
lightning raced across the sky, and heavy rain began to pound the roof.’ My classmates and I identified that this sentence
portrayed an eerie, tumultuous feeling aligned with the impending storm that
was approaching. The following video depicts my descriptive sentence.
I would have liked,
however, to be shown a descriptive paragraph where all 5 senses were used in
vivid detail to give me a better understanding of how one can go about writing
excellent sentences.
Thank you Denisha for the important reminders about showing sentences versus telling sentences. I also enjoyed the activities that Mrs.Lazarus gave us to complete. Additionally what stood out to me was the use of figurative devices to improve our sentences. Most of the time we think descriptive writing involves using describing words (adjectives) but it is much more than that. The hands-on practice in and out of class was ideal for getting me to truly understand descriptive writing and showing sentences.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the use of figurative devices, the use of precise language and careful organization will offer clear and consistent details that will enable the reader to imagine the items or objects described.
DeleteI am in total agreement with you Denisha, Mrs. Lazarus really did an excellent job in providing the avenue for us as students to differentiate between telling and showing sentences by the activities she provided. Additionally, what really stood out to me was when Mrs. Lazarus told us for a writing to be descriptive, there most be supportive details and in doing so for every telling sentences you need to provide some showing sentences. The experience in this class really opened my eyes clearer on what exactly makes a writing descriptive. Also, by practicing writing showing sentences for the telling sentences that our lecturer gave us really assisted me in writing a descriptive paragraph.
ReplyDeleteDessy-Ann, I too agree and have the notion that the use of figurative devices pairs perfectly with the use of sensory details when writing showing sentences. These figurative devices also add sensory interest to descriptive pieces. Makeda, I too concur that supporting details in my opinion, are the ‘icing’ of one’s writing, specifically, they provide additional detailed information to further strengthen the main idea of the descriptive piece. Thank you both for your useful input.
ReplyDeleteDenisha, I also think that the activity we did on converting telling sentences to showing sentences has helped me alot. It has opened a pathway for me to explore my vocabulary while utilizing my senses to create a dominant impression. I can safely say these short sessions have help enhance my writing skills and made me eager to implement it in my classroom. I believe that it can help my students grasp difficult concepts and ideas which can be transferred to other subject areas. It can also foster their imagination and get their creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteDessyann , I second the notion that most times we think descriptive writing is simply about adding adjectives to nouns. However the use of similes,metaphors etc.(Figurative Language ) can really enhance the writing and make the piece come to life.
Hey, guys Just popped in for a bit, great job highlighting areas of descriptive writing that stood out to you guys. here trying to do a million and more things, however will try to share my email so you guys can stop by my blogging page.
ReplyDeletehave a great one and keep up the good work blogging. Don't worry Denisha before you know it, you will be blogging up a storm ....
Hello Denisha, I am in total agreement with you as well as it relates to Mrs. Lazarus's demonstration of showing and telling sentences. Just remarkable. Although she did not give examples of all the five senses, I believe that I can try the others, using those she gave as a guide. Will update you when I do. Blessings
ReplyDeleteHello Denisha, I must confess that Mrs. Lazarus is the GOAT! 🐐 (greatest of all times). She really excels at what she does. Her demonstrations and articulate explanations of showing and telling sentences could not have been more vivid. How about you challenge yourself in constructing and possibly publishing a piece with all the 5 senses? That is, definitely a piece I would not mind sinking my foot into!
ReplyDelete