Lesson Plan: Descriptive Writing for Year 10 Students

Subject: English

Curriculum Area: New Zealand Curriculum - English

Lesson Objectives:

1. To understand the elements of descriptive writing.
2. To practice descriptive writing techniques.
3. To enhance vocabulary and language skills.
4. To create a descriptive writing piece reflecting New Zealand landscapes.

Duration: 55 minutes

Class Size: 20 students

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Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed images of New Zealand landscapes
• Writing materials for students

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Lesson Sequence:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Engagement: Show images of New Zealand landscapes on the board.
• Discussion: Discuss with students the importance of descriptive writing in portraying environments and scenes.

2. Understanding Descriptive Writing (10 minutes)

• Definition: Explain what descriptive writing is and how it appeals to the senses.
• Examples: Provide examples of descriptive writing extracts from New Zealand literature.

3. Elements of Descriptive Writing (15 minutes)

• Key Elements: Break down the key elements of descriptive writing - sensory details, figurative language, and vivid imagery.
• Class Activity: Have students identify these elements in a descriptive passage.

4. Vocabulary Enhancement (10 minutes)

• Word Bank: Introduce a list of descriptive words specific to New Zealand landscapes.
• Exercise: Ask students to brainstorm and add new vocabulary to the list.

5. Descriptive Writing Practice (15 minutes)

• Prompt: Provide a writing prompt related to a New Zealand landscape (e.g., Milford Sound, Rotorua).
• Writing Task: Have students write a descriptive paragraph using the elements discussed.
• Peer Review: Pair students to exchange and provide feedback on each other's writing.

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Conclusion:

• Sharing: Select a few students to read aloud their descriptive paragraphs to the class.
• Reflection: Discuss the students' experience in crafting descriptive pieces and the effectiveness of their writing.
• Homework: Encourage students to continue practicing descriptive writing at home using different New Zealand landscapes as inspiration.

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Additional Resources:

• TKI: New Zealand Curriculum - English
• TKI: Teaching and Learning Resources for English in New Zealand

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This lesson plan is designed to align closely with the New Zealand Curriculum requirements for English at the Year 10 level, focusing specifically on developing students' descriptive writing skills with a local context.