Lesson 3 presents a unique set of problems for students. They must describe a person in detail and place the subject in a setting; yet they must not end up writing a narrative, or story. Even with WriteShop’s careful guidelines and instructions, many still end up focusing on the activity and neglecting the actual description of their subject. But it’s good to let your kids struggle with the initial writing process. It helps them wrestle with ideas and words, and it reminds them of the importance of brainstorming adequately and effectively.
Once your students have had the chance to brainstorm and write the sloppy copy, edit it, and write a first revision, they’ll be ready for helpful feedback. If they’re like most kids, the chances are good that they’ll need to add more description. How can you help them consider details they may never have thought about? Start here! Encourage your kids to improve description in a couple of areas you’ve indicated as weak. Attach a copy of the tips (below) to your Teacher’s Writing Skills Checklist. These ideas will help them improve their paragraph as they think of more concrete ways to describe their subject’s appearance.
And here’s a thought: you don’t have to wait till they turn in their first revision to introduce these ideas.
Use the tips as teaching tools when you’re presenting the lesson. Discuss the various aspects of describing a person before letting the kids loose to brainstorm.
Or once the sloppy copy has been written and edited, give this list of ideas to stimulate creativity and to help the students write a meatier first revision.
It will be impossible (and unnecessary) for your child to include all the descriptive elements listed below. After all, the composition is limited to one little paragraph! But you can certainly expect that paragraph to sparkle with a few additional, well-chosen details. What really matters is this: Regardless of when or how you approach it, improved description will result. And after all, isn’t that the point?
Face Shape
Square
Oval
Round
Triangular
Heart-shaped
Skin/Face/Complexion (Complexion is the natural appearance and color of the skin, especially of the face; e.g. Mary has a soft, creamy complexion.
Freckled: sprinkled or covered with light brown spots
Rosy: pink-cheeked; fair complexion that glows with a hint of pink
Ruddy: skin that has a healthy reddish tint; may have the appearance of sunburn
Tanned: skin with a healthy golden-brown tint
Wrinkled: full of or covered with lines or loose folds of skin; often associated with age
Other skin-related adjectives: pale, spotless, silky, smooth, creamy, baby-soft, glowing, paper-thin or translucent (as with a very old person); rough, callused, dry
