Diving In- Starting the Prep (SLOWLY)

The year begins.

Breathe deeply.  Put one foot in front of the other.  

Tackle expository writing first. It is by far the easiest and most functional type of writing. Say something like this:  How many of you have ever heard of the word expository?  Do you know what it is?  (Wait...take guesses)

Well, let me tell you: Expository is a type of writing that focuses on facts.  It lets the reader know evidence that is true and can be proven.

Start with something your friends love: food.  Use pretzels, hot cheetos, takis, popcorn, or other snack foods.  

Distribute a few pieces of the food item on a napkin.
Examine with their eyes, noses, and taste buds.
Go over the rules: All great scientists must observe what they are studying before it can be eaten. Documentation must be recorded. Finally, after these steps, the item may be eaten.

Begin like this:
Today we will be learning to describe a _______________ using colorful words so that the person reading our essay will be able to understand and visualize it-even if they have never tried it.

What senses can we use to analyze or describe it?

Everyone place gently pick up your __________________________.  Let's examine it with our eyes.  I'm going to give you thirty seconds to look it over carefully. (wait)

Make notes on the board.

Now let's close our eyes and touch our ______________________________. What does it feel like as your fingers run around it. I'll give you 30 seconds to examine it.(wait)

Make notes on the board.

Now let's close our eyes and pop it into our mouth. Use your tongue to do the talking. What does it feel, taste, or imagine as your tongue runs around it. I'll give you 30 seconds to examine it. (Wait)

Make notes on the board.