Name______
and Writing
Name
Date
Bag Game--One person from each group will come up and choose a numbered envelope. One member of the group feels the object inside but does not look. He or she then describes the item to the other members who attempt to draw the object. Don’t let other groups see your drawings! Put your drawings below according to the number on the envelope. When done drawing an object, compare your drawings to the object without letting other groups see. Replace the object into the envelope, return it to your teacher, choose another envelope and another member of the group describes the object until all have had a turn.
Assignment on next page.
Assignment: Think of an object and describe it in detail (use as many senses as you can) without naming the object in the description. At the end of the description, name the object. Tomorrow I will read the descriptions and you will guess what the objects are.
Similes and Metaphors (Figures of Speech)
A simile compares seemingly unlike things using a comparing word such as like or as.
The fire siren is like a screech owl’s song.
The ice was as smooth as glass before the skaters entered the rink.
A metaphor compares seemingly unlike things without directly comparing words.
The cup of hot chocolate was the best medicine for my cold.
The ocean was sapphire.
Simile examples:
She is as sweet as candy.
Bob runs like a deer.
The willow’s music is like a soprano.
She slept like a log.
He is as thin as a rail.
Metaphor examples:
My dad is a bear.
The bar of soap was a slippery eel.
The light was the sun during our test.
He hogged the road.
She toyed with the idea.
Similes:
A friend is like ______. or Friendship is like ______.
A friend is as ______as ______.
When I am tired, I am as ______.
When I am sad, I am like ______.
The dog was as fast as ______.
Metaphors:
A friend is ______.
Friendship is______.
Feeling tired is ______.
He was a ______through all their trouble.
Internal perceptions --using descriptions of sensations can help a writer show emotions rather than telling. After each of the exercises, describe what you feel. Can you use metaphors or similes? (See questions on the board).
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Choose one of the following situations and imagine yourself in it. On the next page describe your sensory impressions as you experience the moment of crisis. Emphasize bodily sensations. Show your reader what it was like to be in that situation instead of telling. Remember that figurative language (use one simile and one metaphor) can be an effective tool when trying to describe what you are feeling. Two paragraph minimum and set up the situation in the first paragraph. (A paragraph is at least four sentences.)
1. Imagine your team is behind by one run. You have two men on base and two out. The pitcher throws heat. You pick up a bat and begin to move toward the plate.
2. Imagine you are alone when a gang of strangers approaches and surrounds you. They stare at you in a threatening way.
3. Imagine you are about to speak or perform before the student body of DiscoverySchool. You wait backstage for what seems an interminable time.
4. Imagine you have almost decided to ask someone you like very much to go to a dance with you. You don't know whether or not the person will accept. You sit at the telephone waiting to dial.
Assignment:
Internal Perceptions Assignment:
Listening to Silence/Sounds—What do you hear when you listen to silence?
1)Describe the qualities of sounds you hear during the time your teacher asks you to be silent. Listen for sounds that are far off as well as sounds that are very close. See if you can describe 10-12 sounds, then compare.
2)Listen to the sounds of your own body. Plug your ears—what do you hear? How would you describe the sounds? After running in place for 30 seconds, describe the sounds again
3) Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is when the formation of the word imitates the sound of the object or action expressed. For instance, a snake is said to “hiss,” a cat “meows,” and when Batman hits the Joker, the sound may be expressed as “THWAaap.” Do the following, and listen carefully to the sound that is made. Invent a word that sounds most like the sound you hear.
- Drop a pen or pencil on your desk.
- Open a book and close it quickly.
- Crumple up a piece of paper.
- Softly scratch your arm.
Listen to the sounds your teacher plays on the CD. DESCRIBE the sounds in the space provided (the purpose is NOT to identify the sounds).
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Observation of Sounds Assignment
Directions: Go to some place in school, in your home, or in the neighborhood and take five or ten minutes to listen carefully to the sounds there. Take detailed notes on the sounds you hear in preparation for writing a descriptive paragraph. You will be asked to describe the physical aspects of the place and to convey at least five sounds as specifically as you can along with the impression the sounds make on you.
Place:
Description of SoundHow does the sound make you feel?
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Write your paragraph here.
Observation of Sounds Paragraph: (5 sentences)
Smells and Synaesthesia (describing smells using other senses). In groups, you will record the number of the bottle, smell the odor and try to describe it using synaesthesia (see questions on screen). CAUTION: Smell the cap or take small whiffs! Do not inhale and do not spill! The focus of the activity is to describe the smell, not identify it.
In the space provided, create a sentence to describe each smell, keeping in mind the questions on the overhead.
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Assignment: Visit someplace of your own choosing—basement, kitchen, gas station, bakery, etc., and write about your impressions of the place along with the odors that you find. Be sure to use synaesthesia. Conveying sensations to the reader is key! (5 sentences at least)
Observing Behavior: Human beings are some of the most interesting creatures to watch! The purpose of these exercises will be to increase your awareness of behaviors in people. First you will concentrate on the emotions you can convey with your hands, then by walking. Finally some volunteers will pantomime some situations drawn out of the basket. Below, write the action and what mood that action shows.
ActionMood?
Actions/Mood
Write a brief, focused description of a person's non-verbal signals (posture, gait, gestures, facial expressions). Describe the person in such way that you show the reader how the person is feeling. The person should exhibit a dominant mood, but do not tell us what it is. You may choose fear, pain, nervousness, anger, joy, pride, arrogance, or another mood if you think of a good one. Listeners will try to guess the mood you have exhibited. Make notes below as you brainstorm for details that you plan to include and then write five sentences.
Non-verbal signals:
Mood:
Observing and Writing Packet Rubric
Student Score:
All parts are completed accurately and revisions are shown in writing.
12345678910
Sentences are complete where required.
12345
Writing is easy to read.
12345
Student uses striking descriptions, metaphors, similes, and writing creates pictures in the reader’s mind.
12345678910
Total ______/30
Teacher Score:
All parts are completed accurately and revisions are shown in writing.
12345678910
Sentences are complete where required.
12345
Writing is easy to read.
12345
Student uses striking descriptions, metaphors, similes, and writing creates pictures in the reader’s mind.
12345678910
Total ______/30
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