DESCRIPTIVE PREWRITING ACTIVITY - BIRD

You can have a lot of fun teaching students how to write a strong, detailed, descriptive paragraph/story with this pre-writing activity. The idea came from a workshop and is called RARE BIRD -VISUALIZATION ACTIVITY.
Basic Directions: Each student visualizes a rare bird, then draws and colors the bird on the accompanying activity sheet (sheet A). Students write a detailed description of his rare bird. The description should be given in an orderly manner from top to bottom, using colors, shapes and similies. After students are finished, collect and post the bird pictures on a bulletin board. A number should be placed on each picture to keep each artist anonymous. Have the students exchange their written descriptions, read them quietly, and try to identify the rare bird that is being written about. Have the students place the description they read next to the bird they chose. After everyone has finished (there could be several descriptions on one bird), artist will let the students know if they are correct. If the bird is not identified, this should be a clue to the artist that his description was not written with enough specific information. Give the bird pictures back and begin teaching DESCRIPTIVE WRITING!

Brainstorm with a chart that gives body details of the bird (sheet B). Brainstorm words for detailed description: color, size, shape, misc.

Proof a paragraph/story with the students (you can put the errors you wish to focus on in this lesson:
While deep in the jungle of South America, I discovered an unusual bird. I believe this bird has never been seen by man. the bird has lots of color. It looked so cute! (opinion) I tried to be very quiet so the bird would not see me. What an awesome looking bird it was! (opinion) I wonder if there are any more birds like it? I couldn't tell if the bird was ab boy or girl, but it was a beautiful animal. You should have seen it. Perhaps someday, I will find the bird again, capture it, and put it in a zoo.
The bird was of average size, comparable to that of a dove. and it was pear shaped, with a long neck that flowed to a round body. and it was a brightly colored bird. and its wings and chest were maroon colored with darker red spots, as if it had a case of the measles. Separating the chest and wings were a stip of aqua green feathers. its eyes were small, circular, and black. On top it's head for feather were perched. the tail was hardly noticeable, barely a stump of dark maroon and aqua gren fethers. And its legs were long and slender with bands of black rings. On its feet were three claws that held tite to the lim.

Show bird pictures (bird A, B, C) and ask students if they have received enough information to make a good choice. Show the next paragraph and ask the same question again.

While deep in the jungle of South America, I discovered an unusual bird. I believe this bird has never been seen by man, so I would like to describe it to you. The bird appeared to be about the size of a parrot, but his markings were not like any parrot I have ever seen.
On top of his head a crown of flaming orange feathers fanned out. As I looked at the bird, he stared back at me with his multicolored bulls-eye eyes. His black pupils were surrounded by rings of yellow, orange, and blue. His chest was unique too, with its oval shape lined with yellow and black stripes; very similar to that of a bumble bee. When its wings were flattened, it appeared as if he was wearing a cape of yellow and orange feathers arranged in layers. His tail extended well below his body, and was easily visible with red and orange colors.
As I tried to get closer, it squawked at me. The oddest sound came out of his large curved beak. Before I could snap a picture, away he flew. (Bird Pictures and paragraphs by Rose H.)

Hopefully, the students easily identify the bird that matches the description.

Hand out DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH ~ BIRD Requirement sheet (sheet C). Have the students fill out the Descriptive worksheet on both sides (sheet D).
Continue with the writing process. When activity is complete make sure to post it for others to enjoy. Have fun.