English Language Arts3-5
Show It, Don't Tell It: Sensory Writing Slides
By Tara B.
A slide deck for a 20-minute 4th grade writing mini lesson that teaches students to replace telling words with sensory, showing language aligned to Colorado standard W.4.3.d. Students practice swapping bland descriptions for vivid details drawn from their five senses, with bright images and colorful slides to keep young writers engaged.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-minute whole-class mini lesson at the start of a writing block, moving through the slides in order so the gradual release (model, guided practice, independent try) stays intact.
- Discussion question: Which sense helps you picture the orchard best, and what word would you choose to show that sense instead of saying the orchard is 'nice'?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a word bank sorted by the five senses and let students point to or circle a sensory word before writing their own.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to rewrite a short paragraph of telling sentences using at least three sensory details from different senses, and explain which change had the biggest impact.
- Timing: Allow roughly 4 to 5 minutes for the opening image and goal, 8 to 10 minutes for modeling and guided practice, and 4 to 5 minutes for a quick independent share.
English Language Arts3-5
Show It, Don't Tell It: Sensory Writing Slides
By Tara B.
A slide deck for a 20-minute 4th grade writing mini lesson that teaches students to replace telling words with sensory, showing language aligned to Colorado standard W.4.3.d. Students practice swapping bland descriptions for vivid details drawn from their five senses, with bright images and colorful slides to keep young writers engaged.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-minute whole-class mini lesson at the start of a writing block, moving through the slides in order so the gradual release (model, guided practice, independent try) stays intact.
- Discussion question: Which sense helps you picture the orchard best, and what word would you choose to show that sense instead of saying the orchard is 'nice'?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a word bank sorted by the five senses and let students point to or circle a sensory word before writing their own.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to rewrite a short paragraph of telling sentences using at least three sensory details from different senses, and explain which change had the biggest impact.
- Timing: Allow roughly 4 to 5 minutes for the opening image and goal, 8 to 10 minutes for modeling and guided practice, and 4 to 5 minutes for a quick independent share.