Descriptive Writing

This year I've attempted something new with descriptive writing. Rather than model, share, write then move on to the next writing piece, I've decided to do the same activity three times throughout the year and compare how their writing has changed over the year. 

October: 
I asked my students to draw a picture of a scarecrow. I specifically said I wanted it detailed, coloured and unique. We viewed many pictures of scarecrows to get their creative thoughts flowing. 
When the drawing was completed, my students then had to write about their scarecrow. They had to describe it the best they could. Once everyone was finished I asked my students to swap books. Now another student had to re-create their scarecrow based on the descriptive writing. Afterwards they had an opportunity to see the original. The idea that another student now had to draw what someone had written about put ownership on the writer to create a detailed piece. This was their first major writing piece of the year, but I must say it exceeded my expectations.

January: 
This time my students completed a drawing of a snowman. They followed the same ideas and steps as the scarecrow writing. 
This time though, students compared their writing from October to their writing now. The improvements were tremendous. The best part of this exercise was listening to my students in their Tribes talk about their own writing and the ways they improved. It was a great confidence building exercise. Of course my class, just like every other class out there has students ranging in many ability levels. This activity allowed EVERY student to see success. Students that needed a scribe or assistant work at the beginning of the year to form one sentence were now able to write 2-3 sentences independently. Those students who had exceptional writing skills now used more detailed, creative wording and even use similes throughout their writing. 

June:
Once we finish our fairy tale writing we will complete descriptive writing piece #3. This time my students will create their very own "Monsters!" Stay tuned!