Kids often have a difficult time adding detail and description to their stories. Comparing the process of writing to drawing a picture can help kids understand the importance of using detail and description in their story. This activity will help your child "see" how to improve stories.
GradeSubject
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- A story that your child is currently working on writing
- A blank piece of paper
- Crayons or colored pencils
What You Do:
- Use a black crayon to draw a large rectangular frame about two inches wide on the perimeter of the blank paper. In the width of the frame, write the following question words, spreading them out so that they look like artsy decorations on the frame: Who? What? Why? How? When? Where? What colour? How big?
- Read your child’s story aloud to them. As you read, have them illustrate their story in the blank space in the centre of the frame. Tell them they can only draw what they hear you read in the story.
- When you’re finished, discuss the drawing with your child. What’s missing in the picture? What details could be added that would make the story in the picture more interesting? If they need ideas, refer to the question words that you wrote earlier in the width of the frame.
- As they add details to their drawing, have them use words to describe the details to you aloud.
- Then, have them go back to their story, and write these extra details.
- Finally, turn the completed drawing over, face down, and read your child’s improved story aloud to them again. Ask them to picture their story in their head as you read it aloud. Say, “Can you picture it?” Then turn over the picture, and ask them to decide if the picture in their head matches the picture on the paper. If they feel they match each other well, they can trust that they have added ample detail to their story!
Related learning resources
Winter Writing Activity
Worksheet
Winter Writing Activity
Here's a great activity to get your second grader's mind going and creativity in action! He'll write a story to go with the picture and even get to colour too.
Year 3
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Writing a Thank You Letter
Worksheet
Writing a Thank You Letter
Help kids get familiar with the process of writing a thank you note, so they'll never complain about writer's block again.
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Thanksgiving Writing Activity #3
Worksheet
Thanksgiving Writing Activity #3
In this creative writing prompt, children recall a past Thanksgiving and describe what made it so memorable.
Year 5
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Thanksgiving Writing Activity #2
Worksheet
Thanksgiving Writing Activity #2
Children reflect on the significance of this holiday with this thoughtful writing prompt.
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Creative Writing for Kids: Freeze Time
Worksheet
Creative Writing for Kids: Freeze Time
Complete this creative writing activity by writing a paragraph describing what you would do if you had the power to freeze time!
Year 3
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Picture Book Pumpkin Creations
Activity
Picture Book Pumpkin Creations
In this fun fall-themed activity, your child will design and decorate a pumpkin based on a picture book.
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Activity
Short Writing Prompt
Worksheet
Short Writing Prompt
What is going on in this picture? Have fun with this picture writing prompt, a great way to boost creativity in your young writer.
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Witch Writing
Worksheet
Witch Writing
This spooky writing activity will introduce your kid to list-writing: a great way to practise sentences and sequential events.
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
What's a Zipper? A Writing Game
Activity
What's a Zipper? A Writing Game
This reading comprehension activity teaches children reading in reverse: how would you teach an alien to use a zipper?
Year 4
Reading & Writing
Activity
Money Writing Prompt
Worksheet
Money Writing Prompt
What if you had $1,000, but you couldn't spend it on yourself? Flex your creativity and goodwill thinking with this writing prompt.
Year 6
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Christmas Cookies Writing Prompt
Worksheet
Christmas Cookies Writing Prompt
Can you smell the Christmas cookies in the oven? Warm up your child's writing skills with this Christmas cookies writing prompt.
Year 2
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Easter Writing Prompt
Worksheet
Easter Writing Prompt
Can you imagine what it's like to be the Easter Bunny? Get your child in the Easter mood with this fun writing prompt!
Year 3
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
See this activity in a set:
Year three Storytelling Activities