During this class, students will learn, practice and apply the "Show, Don't Tell" descriptive writing strategy. This strategy encourages students to elaborate and revise their writing by including details that help a reader to visualize their writing rather than using simple sentences. For example, "My sister was mad because I ate her cake" simply states (or "tells") the reader that the character was feeling mad. In this class, we will introduce the strategy, "SHOW, Don't Tell" to improve simple sentences like this. Through the use of sensory details, dialogue, sound, mood and more, students will elaborate and revise simple sentences using strong details to help their readers to visualize their writing. 

"My sister was mad because I ate her cake" (Simple Sentence) can become...
"Thump... thump... thump. I heard my sister's footsteps approach my door slowly. I could feel a small bead of sweat forming on the top of my forehead. She flung my bedroom door open and stood, with fists-clenched and her face red. Staring straight ahead at me she asked, 'Did... you... eat... my... slice... of... cake?' I knew I was BUSTED". (Show, Don't Tell Strategy)

The class will be taught in three parts:

PART ONE: Learn 
Students will learn about the purpose of writing with details and elaboration. We will introduce the strategy of "Show, Don't Tell" along with five details we can add to our writing (Dialogue, Sensory Details, Sound, Mood/Feeling, Adjectives) to help reader's visualize our writing. Students will use an example piece to identify each of the types of details and see written examples.

PART TWO: Practice
Students will have the opportunity to practice each of the five styles of adding details/elaborating in isolation and share their writing practice with peers. Students will be able to receive guidance, encouragement and feedback on their writing practice. 

PART THREE: Apply
Students will write their own short piece (3-5 sentences) using the strategies practiced and share their writing (if comfortable) with others and receive feedback and compliments from myself and peers. Students who are uncomfortable sharing their writing publicly can submit their writing piece after class on the classroom page and I will provide feedback to them there!

In addition to my instruction, visual aids including slides and typed examples will be used during the class. 

Students do not need any prior experience for this class. Students of all writing levels are welcome to join!