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The Why, How and When of 'Show Not Tell'... and Should We Always Use It?

Join us we explore what this familiar piece of advice actually means, how we can use it to enrich our creative writing and when telling may actually be the better choice.
Tracy Lambert
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(235)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours
Assessment
Informal assessment in class

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
When writing a story or descriptive piece, one thing can almost be guaranteed - that someone will say that you should 'Show, not tell'. 
Join us in this one time class as we explore exactly what that well-known phrase actually means, how we 'show' and discuss 'What's wrong with just telling, anyway?'

In class learners will:
Look at the difference in creative writing between telling and using descriptive language to 'show' and the different effects they produce.
Explore why we sometimes find it difficult to break out of 'telling'.
Discuss how to use descriptive language to add details.
Look at examples of 'telling' and practice using descriptive writing to make them more effective.
Discuss why 'telling' is not something that should never be done- but is often necessary.
Compare extracts that only show or only tell.
Discuss how to get the balance.
Practice taking some 'telling only' writing and working on 'showing' or combining 'show and tell'. 

Learners will be encouraged to share their writing in class but there is no pressure to do so.
Learning Goals
Students will learn:
to identify the difference between writing that only informs and writing that adds detail
what each style adds to creative writing
when and how to use each effectively
how to use the idea of 'show not tell' in their own writing.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
All content is age-appropriate.
Supply List
A notebook or paper and something to write with, or a device to use for writing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2020
4.9
235reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Writing is my passion and as well as majoring in English at university, along with Theatre Arts, I've almost 20 years of experience in teaching English in primary schools. Over those years, I have worked regularly with groups of children specifically on English writing skills and teaching creative writing online.

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$13

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-6 learners per class

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