Topic:

Adding verbs to writing

Standards:

ELACC2W3: Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.

ELACC2W5: With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.

Essential Question:

How can adding action packed verbs make my writing more interesting?

Duration:

about 1 hour

Materials:

chart paper, marker, writing journals,  What is a Verb? By Brian P. Cleary

Overview or notes pertaining to lesson:

Students learn what action packed verbs are and how they make a story more interesting to read.

Mini Lesson:

Students bring writing journal and graphic organizer to the floor. Yesterday we added sensory details to our writing to make it more interesting. Today we are going to talk about action packed verbs and how they help create a picture in the brain of the reader and make our writing more interesting. Read What is a Verb? By Brian P. Cleary. When you’re done reading, ask students what a verb is, and they will tell you it is something you can do. Start to make a list of Action Packed Verbs on an anchor chart, and they write these in their “Resource” section of the writing journal to refer to whenever they need an idea for a verb. I usually have students use the last page in their journal to start the resource section, and work backwards from there, so it is easy to find. Start making a list of great verbs to use in writing. Have students act some out as you go. Model adding some vivid verbs to your graphic organizer in a few different parts of your story.

Guided Practice:

Have students think about an action packed verb they could add to their story, turn and talk, share a few. While still on the floor have students add one verb to their graphic organizer.

Independent Practice:

Have students return to seats and finish adding action packed verbs to their stories. I usually say they need at least 3 verbs. Walk around helping struggling students and monitor understanding.

Closing:

Review a verb, and share a few that students have added.