Descriptive words

     The objective of this lesson plan is to help students learn how to make stories clearer and more interesting by using descriptive words. It can be adjusted to fit an elementary school grade, preferably grades 2-5.

     Set a foundation for the students by going over the definition of what a descriptive word is, and some examples. 

DESCRIPTIVE: conveys and idea, image, or impression

*Another name for descriptive words are ADJECTIVES*

     Before you begin the writing activity, have your students close their eyes and listen as you describe a certain object in the classroom. When they feel like they have figured it out, have them raise their hand and explain in descriptive words the object. 

     As a class, begin to write down on the board household or classroom items (couch, microwave, desk). Now ask the class to come up with descriptive words for these items (soft, loud, brown).  After they have provided different words, take it to a critical thinking level. Ask questions regarding the descriptive words they gave. Which words were more descriptive than others? Which words were less descriptive? Which words can be used to describe more than one item on the list? Which words help clearly identify an object? As you promote critical thinking, a better understanding for descriptive words will be attained.

     For maximum understanding of the lesson, individualize the activity and have students think of their own item, either household or classroom. When they have thought of an item they have to write a paragraph (5 sentences) describing it -- how heavy it is, what color is it, where is it found-- WITHOUT revealing the name of the object. As the students are writing these paragraphs, continue to emphasize the basic writing rules and how to use clear and compete sentences. 

     When the students are finished with their paragraphs, have them partner up and exchange papers. Each student must now figure out the object that is being described in their partners paragraph. Ask them to identify the descriptive words used, if they were used clearly, and how the paragraph could be improved.

     To sum up the activity, review what the students have learned about descriptive words and how these words are so important when it comes to making stories.

This lesson incorporates student-centered learning and allows them to make real-life connections. 

This lesson plan can be found at http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/writing-strategies.cfm

Measure Hunt!

     This is a second grade lesson plan I found that addresses math concepts, such as measuring and counting.  However, with a little modification, it could also include a mini spelling lesson! I don't know about you, but I love when lessons allow the student to learn beyond the intended concept and incorporates the mastery of more than one subject. After discussing measurement topics in class, such as inches, feet, centimeters, and meters, this is a great supplemental activity to put the students knowledge into action. 

     So let's begin our adventure and embark on a Measure Hunt! This activity is pirate themed, which is great because it engages students by allowing them to pretend they are pirates going on an excursion. First, divide the class into groups of 2-3 "pirates", and have the students  place there desks together, representing their "pirate ship". 

     Second, give each group a number in measurements on a piece of paper that you want them to find. For example, 5 inches. Now, here's the part that I added in. Along with the number, give each group a letter. With this particular number and letter, each group will explore the classroom to find an object that length, but it also has to begin with the letter they were given. It really takes the lesson to a "think outside of the box" level. (Nothing in the classroom is off limits, anything that fits their criteria!)

While they are finding the objects, they must write them down-- more spelling perks!

     After some time, have the pirates return to their ships. Once they have, each group gets a poster and draws a big treasure chest. On the lid of the treasure chest, the students must write the number and letter they were given. Then, on the inside of the chest they must draw and write the names of all the objects they found. 

Lastly, each group of pirates presents their treasure chest to the class, describing all the objects found that matched their number and letter. 

*You can also make your students "walk the plank" if they misbehave* 

This lesson plan incorporates cooperative learning, team building, role play, measurement skills, spelling skills, and various different learning styles, such as kinesthetic, visual, and aural  learning. 
This foundations of this lesson plan can be found at this site- http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/1171.html