Can the students sound letters and spell? Yes!
Can the students write sentences? Yes!
Can the students use these sentences to create a narrative? Yes!
What’s next? As primary school teachers, we are constantly developing ways to scaffold students to reach their writing milestones. At Astor International School, we not only aspire for our students to be able to write, but we also equip them with fundamental tools needed for being good writers. This article discusses some writing lessons that can assist primary students in developing their ability to show, not tell when writing.
1. Understanding what show, not tell means
Knowledge has to be imparted, for students to learn a skill. What is the better way to get started with descriptive writing than with a fun read-along book based on Deborah Disen’s ‘The Pout-Pout Fish’? This book ingeniously includes the description of a sad fish, as well as his marine creature companions attempting to cheer him up. The author employs well-known emotions, which are expressed through terminology that focuses on body language which shows rather than tells the readers.
2. Showing examples
The understanding lesson exposes students with adequate examples of how descriptive language is often used in books. The second stage enables students with the necessary knowledge. Students are given illustrations of characters displaying various emotions. Students are assigned the task of describing these images using the 5 senses approach.
3. Utilising knowledge to create
Students’ outstanding work is displayed in class. At Astor International School, we believe that these displays help to foster a strong sense of classroom community and encourage creativity. The displayed five senses writing helps students learn from one another, and appreciate the work of others. These exhibited pieces assist in learning reinforcement, as the students craft their narrative stories.
STUDENTS WRITING!
These lessons are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mastery. With continual reinforcement, practice and interactive lessons such as these; the next JK Rowling or Dan Brown, maybe from Razum International School!