Minds On
The importance of descriptive words
Let’s explore a video in which Teacher Joel thinks of different descriptive words, or adjectives, to describe an apple.
Access this video entitled “Power Hour of Learning – Apples, Adjectives and Animals, Oh My!” to learn more about descriptive words.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
Can you think of any other descriptive words you might use?
Discuss with a partner, if possible.
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Action
Comparing descriptions
In the video from our Minds On activity, Teacher Joel uses an apple to show us different ways that we can create a description.
One of his descriptions used just one descriptive word, or adjective. Another used many adjectives.
Explore the two following audio clips in which an apple is described:
Description One
Description Two
When you are finished exploring the descriptions, answer the following questions:
- Which description is more interesting?
- Which description captures your attention?
Discuss with a partner if possible, or record your answers using a method of your choice.
Adjectives
Descriptive words or adjectives can make your descriptions more accurate.
Using adjectives is a strategy we can use when giving a presentation. Adjectives catch our audience’s attention and help them understand our message.
Let’s explore a video in which Teacher Wynne explains what adjectives are.
Access this video entitled “Homework Zone: Language – Adjectives” to learn more about adjectives.
When you are finished exploring the video, answer the following question:
- Is there anything new that you learned after exploring this video?
Discuss your answer with a partner if possible, or record your answer using a method of your choice.
Consolidation
Choosing a presentation topic
Now that you know ways to engage your audience by using descriptive language, it is time for you to practice your presentation skills!
Choose an object or experience that you would like to share in your presentation.
Press ‘Sharing an Experience’ to access a strategy for describing an experience.
If you are sharing an experience, you might use the 5Ws and How as a descriptive language strategy:
| The 5Ws and How |
|---|
|
Who was involved? |
|
What happened? |
|
When did it happen? |
|
Where did it happen? |
|
Why did it happen? |
|
How did it happen? |
Brainstorm
Brainstorming adjectives
Think of the words that make your object or experience interesting and unique.
Complete the Adjective Brainstorming Web in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.
|
Record your object or experience in the middle of the web, then record adjectives that make it interesting and unique around the middle of the web. |
Press the Activity button to access the Adjective Brainstorming Web.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)If you need help, press ‘Adjective Examples’ to reveal the list of adjectives.
| Size | Texture | Shape | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
large huge gigantic tiny small medium |
smooth rough slippery crunchy fluffy |
flat curvy straight crooked square oval round |
blue green orange purple pink green black white brown yellow |
Press the 'Activity' button to access Adjectives Table.
Sharing your presentation
Practice presenting your object or experience. Once you feel like you are ready, share your presentation.
Present to a partner if possible, or record your presentation using video or audio. You can also record a detailed description of your presentation using a method of your choice.
When you are finished presenting, respond to the following questions:
- Was the description of my object or experience accurate?
- What could I change or add to make my description more engaging?
Discuss your responses with a partner if possible, or record your responses using a method of your choice.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.