Exploring my descriptive writing workshop

I will reflect on my class presentation for my descriptive writing workshop and I hope the information will be helpful as I share. Descriptive writing is a type of writing that aims to describe a topic or a scene in vivid detail, engaging the reader's senses and imagination. From the knowledge gained it is a form of creative writing that aims to paint a picture with words, allowing the reader to imagine the subject, place, or event as if they were experiencing it firsthand. As a teacher of writing, I have gained more knowledge about descriptive writing and activities that can be planned to make the lesson more effective and engaging.

We explore several key elements of descriptive writing that can help you create a vivid and engaging description.

 From what i understand descriptive writing relies heavily on sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. This includes using sensory language to describe what the reader can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. For example, instead of simply saying "the sun was setting," you might describe "the fiery orange sun sinking slowly below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape." Some words were given that can be used to make descriptive writing more vivid such as (sight) glowing,(hearing) cackling, (touch) slippery, (smell) moldy ,(taste) juicy.

Figurative language from my understanding adds depth and richness to descriptive writing by using words or phrases in non-literal ways. Which we explained that it includes various literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism. These devices help create vivid imagery and evoke emotions by making comparisons or attributing human qualities to inanimate objects. Many examples were given to show the meaning of devices, but I will share two. A simile compares two things using "like" or "as." For example, "Her laughter was like music to my ears." A metaphor directly equates two unrelated things. For example, "The city was a bustling beehive of activity."

Thoughtful organization is another element that helps to effectively convey information and create a clear and coherent piece of writing. I have learnt they are three types of organizations used such as spatial organization which arranges the details based on their physical location or spatial relationship, for example describing a room you will start from the front to the back or vice versa. Chronological organization which arranges the details in a sequential order based on time or events. Order of organization which organizes details based on their significance or importance for example if you are describing a person who will start from head to toe or vice versa.

The last and most crucial element is dominant impress this is the overall mood or feeling that is conveyed to the reader using sensory details and vivid language.

Some tips were given for teachers that can be used while teaching descriptive writing and I am eager to use some of these in the classroom such as using a model text which will provide a well-crafted example of descriptive writing that serves as a model for students. Teachers should encourage students to engage the sense in their descriptive writing to create a more vivid and immersive experience for the reader. Provide students with a word bank sensory word to use while writing their descriptive piece. Teachers can also use some of these to help students by giving them picture prompts, writing prompts, show and tell and storytelling.

We gave teachers some assessments that can be used to assess students descriptive writing are rubrics which can be adjust for grade levels, peer reviews are the process of assessing and providing feedback on a work before it is published and checklists that teacher can use to focus on the key elements of descriptive writing, such: as sensory imagery, vivid language and organization.

Based on my previous blogs I have given some information about the writing process and the 6 plus 1traits of writing. They can also be integrated into descriptive writing. Being able to create activities using the writing process and the 6 plus 1 trait became one of my strengths here is an activity that can be used to integrate them into descriptive writing. Students can use a graphic organizer to organize their thoughts in the prewriting stage. As they go on to the drafting process, students will focus on putting their ideas together and emphasize the need of using the element of descriptive writing. During the editing process, students can be paired and will peer review as they focus on revising and balancing the content/descriptive elements of the piece, the use of transitional words and phrases. In the editing stage, which can be guided by checklist, students will look for mistakes and engage in peer editing. Finally, at the publishing stage students can do their final proofreading and teacher can create a gallery walk.

The workshop was very informative about descriptive writing and was very interactive with activities that were done to clear any misconceptions and the presenters was well knowledgeable about the content. Descriptive writing is a powerful tool that allows writers to transport readers to different worlds and evoke emotions through vivid descriptions. I hope this information was helpful.

-Leshana Morton