Lesson plans on descriptive writing should begin with a basic introduction of the format. Introduce students to descriptive writing, which is writing that describes. Explain that descriptive writing can describe a person, place, thing, setting or idea. Emphasize to students that descriptive writing incorporates sensory details and vivid language to convey the writer’s experience or idea. It shows, rather than tells, the reader a scene or scenario.
To help students understand descriptive writing and the tone, content and form that this kind of writing assumes, it is helpful to read a sample of descriptive writing. Read aloud as a class an example of descriptive writing. Choose a piece that includes strong sensory details and vivid language. Instruct students to take notes as you read aloud. When finished reading, discuss as a class the aspects of the narrative that make the piece a strong example of descriptive writing. For instance, have students cite examples of phrases used, figures of speech or other images that draw on the senses of sight, sound, taste, touch and hearing.
Have students practice descriptive writing with an in-class writing activity. Distribute pictures or postcards to students. Give each student a different image. Instruct students to brainstorm details, images or sensations that the image invokes. Encourage students to express these details with vivid, precise language, rather than vague or overly broad language. For instance, if the image invokes a feeling of calm or peace, encourage students to express this feeling with words or images that incorporate the five senses. Invite students to share their lists with the class to get feedback from peers.
Assign students to write a piece of descriptive writing. Give them a prompt that requires them to describe a setting, scene or scenario. For instance, challenge students to write about a place from their early childhood that invokes vivid memories. Ask students to describe the sights, sounds and smells that this place recalls. Encourage them to make use of metaphor or simile, when figurative language more aptly describes than expository language. Encourage them to paint a picture of this place with words to transport the reader to the scene.