Zoom In on a Tide Pool

Pick one technique per lesson. Students complete the planning chart and word lists first, then write from their notes.

Zoom from a whole tide pool to one creature to one tiny part, then describe what you see. The directions on the page read: Read the topic. Fill in Steps 1 and 2 to plan. Then write your description in Step 3, moving from the wide view to the closest view. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade narrative writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Note a detail for sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, then use precise nouns and vivid verbs in sentences. Describe a Night Market With All Five Senses asks for this before an eight sentence description.

Spatial order describes a scene by location, such as near, middle and far. Describe a Harbor at Dawn Using Spatial Order moves from the water to the pier to the hills.

Choose details that make a reader feel something, such as what you see, hear and what seems wrong. Create Mood in an Empty Amusement Park builds an uneasy mood.

It means letting actions and details carry the feeling. Describe a Street Musician Through Action bans feeling words such as sad or proud and asks for gestures, clothing and reactions.