Sensory Writing Inspiration!
Posted by Jacqui Mudre
Fifth grade writers are exploring how to use their five senses to find inspiration for their craft. How does that tomato feel in your hand? Can you describe the sound of the brook trickling over the rocks? Could you describe the smell of a freshly picked pepper? What does that crunchy chip do to your tastebuds? What about that velvety sun butter?
Our writers enjoyed two different sensory writing opportunities. Our first Sensory Write invited students to experience their craft al fresco! They tasted tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in the Unquowa garden, listened to the breeze rustle the leaves in the woods, felt the moss squish beneath their shoes, and saw the water striders gliding on the brook. It was a great way to document the first day of fall.
Our second Sensory Write took place in our dining room, in collaboration with the Unquowa Kitchen! Chef Jess prepared tasting platters for the students, filled with flavors that both enticed and challenged. What are the perfect words to describe an apple? Is that jelly cloyingly sweet, sticky and seeded, or squishy and tart? The fifth graders loved describing unexpected flavor combinations, too! How would you describe a pickle-topped grilled cheese?
Both sensory writing experiences opened up a conversation around showing, rather than telling, our readers about what we are sensing. These skills will spiral throughout our year together in Writing Seminar, and will serve us well as we move on to our narrative writing unit.
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