Description: Show, Don't Tell

Today we'll practice show, don't tell. Talk about ideas before writing them down. Don't worry about spelling on the first pass — get the thinking out, then revise. Read drafts out loud. The ear catches what the eye misses.

• pencil
• paper

List three words that describe today's weather. We just started writing.

1. 1

   Write a complete sentence about your favorite meal.

   Parent tip: Check: capital letter, ending mark, makes sense alone.
2. 2

   Combine these into one sentence: 'The cat ran. The cat was fast.'

   Parent tip: Praise any combination that keeps the meaning.

1. 1

   Use the word 'because' in a sentence.
2. 2

   Write a question, then answer it in a full sentence.
3. 3

   List five strong verbs and use one in a sentence.
4. 4

   Rewrite this sentence with more detail: 'The boy ate.'
5. 5

   Write a sentence that starts with the word 'Suddenly'.
6. 6

   Write a sentence with two adjectives.
7. 7

   Write three sentences about a place you love.
8. 8

   Write three sentences about your favorite season.
9. 9

   Write a sentence that includes a list of three items.
10. 10

    Describe a sound you can hear right now.

What is one sentence you wrote today that you're proud of? Why?