Monster Writings

Designed by: Hope Darby      School:  Pine Grove

Grade Level: fourth       Subject(s): Language Arts

Core Curriculum Objective(s):  Write for sustained periods of time to develop confidence in communicating for different purposes (to tell, to describe, to inform or explain, to persuade, to learn to record personal feelings, to entertain others. Demonstrate active listening skills and respond appropriately and accurately to oral information. (4-WA-2), (4-LS-1)

Overview: In this lesson, students will draw a picture of a monster. They will then write a description of the picture and type the description on a word processor. Another student will read the description and try to draw the picture. The class will finish by comparing the first drawing to the second drawing of each monster. This lesson assumes that the student has prior knowledge of word processing skills.

Focus/Essential Question(s): How can detailed descriptions help others understand your writing?

Time Frame: 3 fifty minute periods, one of which should be in the computer lab. 

Resources/Materials: 
drawing paper (2 sheets for each student) 
crayons, colored pencils or markers 
computer with word processor 
computer printer

Culminating Assessment: Students will draw a monster based on the description of another student. Students' work will be assessed using the following rubric: 

Give 5 points for each yes and 0 points for each no.

YES    NO

The monster has three body parts.

The monster is colored.

A name has not been written on the drawing or the description.

There are three paragraphs.

One paragraph describes the head.

The paragraph about the head tells what color(s) the head is.

The paragraph about the head tells where the head is in relation to other parts.

The paragraph identifies any markings on the head.

The paragraph identifies the shape of the head.

The second drawing resembles the head.

One paragraph describes the body.

The paragraph about the body tells what color(s) the body is.

The paragraph about the body tells where the body is in relation to other parts.

The paragraph identifies any markings on the body.

The paragraph identifies the shape of the body.

The second drawing resembles the body.

One paragraph describes the tail.

The paragraph about the tail tells what color(s) the tail is.

The paragraph about the tail tells where the tail is in relation to other parts.

The paragraph identifies any markings On the tail.

The paragraph identifies the shape of the tail.

The second drawing resembles the tail.

102-110 points=A 
92-101 points=B 
82-91 points=C 
72-81 points=D 
Less than 71 points= F

Instructional Activities: 

Day One: Give each student a piece of drawing paper and markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Instruct students to draw a picture of a monster. The monster must have three and only three body parts: a head, a body and a tail. The monster must also be colored. Students should not write their name on the picture. After the drawing is complete, students need to write a description of their monster. There must be a paragraph to describe each body part. The paragraphs should be very specific and give information about how the monster appears, such as the color and shape of each body part and any identifiable markings. As students are writing, the teacher should monitor the descriptions and provide feedback as needed. 

Day Two: Students revise and edit the description of their monster. Then, students should type their description on the computer using a word processor. Students should not type their name on their description. When students turn in their description and picture, the teacher should give them a matching number. The teacher should record which number belongs to which student. 

Day Three: Students should complete any descriptions. After everyone has finished turning in the descriptions, the teacher should give each student a description that was written by another student. The teacher should give each student a second piece of drawing paper. Students should draw a picture of the monster based on the description they have been given. Students should put the number of the description on their drawing. When everyone has completed the drawings, the class should compare the original drawing to the second drawing. The class should discuss the importance of using detail when writing a description. The teacher should collect descriptions and pictures. Teacher should assess student work using the rubric provided above. After assessing, the teacher may display student work.