Using Descriptive Words: Adding Adjectives and Adverbs to Your Writing

I can't say enough how important it is to include a lesson on using descriptive words in writing.  Descriptive words, including adjectives and adverbs, create tone and add imagery to writing.  A mini-lesson about descriptive words will help your young writers craft their story and message.

One of the most common ways my students add describing words to their writing is by adding VERY and EXTREMELY.  This is NOT descriptive writing.  I make a rule that my students are not allowed to use those vague, nondescript words.  I tell them that they have to use words that show imagery.  This doesn't mean that their words have to be words that they don't know.  They can add lots of great imagery with some very simple words.

Below are some sample task cards I use in my descriptive words mini - lesson.  I do this activity just before we get ready to edit our compositions for descriptive words.  If you are interested in this product, here is the link:

Task Cards : Using Descriptive Words in Sentences