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CRAFT MINILESSON

�A Picture of Many Words�

The purpose of this minilesson is to encourage students to learn to write descriptively, use their imagination, and let their creative juices flow.�

Sixth Grade Competency Goals

Goal 1� The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or ����������� related experience.

1.02���� Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, or viewed by:

• Creating an artistic interpretation that connects self to the work.

Goal 6� The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.

Materials Needed:

Apples

Pencil/pen

Paper

Time: 25 minutes total

5 minutes for students to examine their apples

20 minutes to write the paragraph

Assignment:

�Today you�re going to write descriptive paragraphs.� Please clear your desks of everything except paper and a pencil.� I�m going to pass out these apples to the first person in each row, please take only one apple and pass the basket to the person behind you.� Don�t eat the apples, when we finish with the apples you may have them for a snack, but not until I let you know that we�ve finished the assignment.� When you get your apple, take a good look at it, study it from every angle, smell it, run your hand over the surface.� After you have really studied your apple, I want you to list five words at the top of your paper that describes your apple.� Remember that every apple is different, so the words that your neighbor might use to describe their apple may not be appropriate in describing your apple.� I�m going to write the word �apple� on the board.� After everyone has listed five words on their paper, raise your hand and when I call on you, tell me your words.� I will list them on the board and we�ll see how many different words you�ve come up with to describe an apple.�� After the descriptive word list on the blackboard is complete, I will instruct the students, �Now write a five or six sentence paragraph about your apple.� You may use any of the descriptive words on the board that apply to your apple.� I will deduct two points for each spelling and punctuation error, so make sure you read over your paragraph and check for errors.�� �Allow the students 20 minutes to write their paragraphs.� �When you have finished your paragraph, please place it in the orange folder on my desk.� Make sure your name, the date, and your class period are in the top right corner of your paper.� After you have turned them in, you may eat your apple.� Be sure to put the core in the wastebasket.�