Descriptive Writing Teacher Resources

In this language arts activity, 2nd graders keep a travel journal. Students write about their "camel expedition" in the space provided.

Young scholars, in groups, research a planet from our solar system. They create Styrofoam models of the planets and place the planets on a correct distance scale from the sun.

Students view an applet to study the phases of the Moon in relation to the orientation of the sun, moon, and Earth.

Students recite the rhyme 'Five Little Monkeys' and role play the actions of the rhyme. In this five little monkeys instructional activity, students memorize the rhyme with accuracy. Students may vary the rhyme by substituting different...

This lesson focuses on what descriptive writing including defining it and discussing the characteristics. It includes links to several websites about descriptive writing including the Discovery Education Video: "Literature for Children:...

This lesson focuses on descriptive writing including discussing what it is and the chararacteristics. It provides links to the web articles: "How to Write a Descriptive Essay," "5 Model Descriptive Paragraphs," "MLA Formatting and Style...

This lesson focuses on figurative language used in descriptive writing including similes, metaphors, cliches, hyperbole. It offers multiple links to websites pertaining to figurative language in descriptive and creative writing; an...

This is a four-page PDF of six photos to inspire descriptive writing: Children playing on a slide in Brazil, Factory Sunset, Family Dinner, Oil Spill, Red Palace Room, and War Prayer. A list of picture credits with web links is provided...

This is a comprehensive article about what descriptive writing including what it is, why to teach it and strategies to teach it. It also features two videos Five Senses Graphic Organizer and Writing Poems as well as an annotated list of...

This website from the Writing Center at Indiana Univerisity of Pennsylvania focuses on descriptive writing. It includes discussion and examples of the following: Creating a dominant impression or mood, using sensory details, using vivid...

This workshop helps students increase their skills in descriptive writing by following tips and suggestions from writer Virginia Hamilton. After reading about Hamilton, students write their descriptive pieces and publish them online. A...

Use this lesson plan to teach descriptive writing. A checklist is provided so students can self-monitor their writing.

This page gives students specific guidelines & tips for a descriptive writing assignment. Students can publish descriptive writing here, as well. A thorough teacher's guide to descriptive writing is also provided.

Need help with doing a descriptive paper or personal narrative? Need a writing lesson plan? Meet Virginia Hamilton and follow her step-by-step guide to writing. When done, you are eligible for a certificate signed by this author.

Contains plans for two lessons that use the book "Anna's Art Adventure" by Bjorn Sortland to teach students to write about art descriptively. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites used...

Excellent site geared towards student writers interesting in learning how to journal. Follow Virginia Hamilton, an author, and learn her techniques from examples. Very comprehensive learning site.

Online lesson plan uses the novel "The Giver," to teach students the importance of writing descriptive memoirs. Students write these descriptions individually after seeing their significance through the reading.

Different techniques for writing detailed descriptions of an object are found on this page.

Contains plans for three lessons that teach descriptive writing skills by creating and writing about a "100th day bottle." In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to PDF handouts and sites used in...

An eight-part learning module with links to websites, texts, videos, images, and charts to use while learning how to write descriptive texts.

Contains plans for two lessons that teach about descriptive writing by asking students to create their own monster trading cards with vivid descriptions. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to...

Contains plans for four lessons that ask students to develop their descriptive writing skills by creating their own restaurant menus. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites used in the...

In this activity, students will be introduced to different types of leaves by going on a leaf walk. They will bring back a select few to the classroom, draw and write about one of their leaves, and then share with a partner and then the...

Lesson plan which allows kindergartners to combine their experiences and curiosity into developing beginning descriptions. Students use memories and illustrations in writing.