Writing descriptive sentences about a special item based on ‘The Proudest Blue’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write descriptive sentences about a special item.
Key learning points
- The colour blue is referred to repeatedly throughout the story and is part of what makes Asiya's hijab special to her.
- The author states what the hijab isn't as a way of communicating its special nature.
- Colours can be used to represent ideas, objects and feelings.
- Precise adjectives can enhance the description of colours and nouns.
- Similes can be used to compare two things using 'like' or 'as'.
Keywords
Colour - a visual perception related to an object's light absorption
Simile - a linguistic device that compares two things using 'like' or 'as', highlighting similarities and creating vivid imagery
Compare - to note what is the same and what is different
Adjective - a word that describes a noun
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to develop appropriate similes for their special item.
Model examples for a range of colours and powerful nouns they could be compared to. E.g. Green items could be compared to elements of a meadow or a tree.
Teacher tip
Explore different examples of similes and consider the meaning and importance of the comparison. E.g. 'As green as a pea'. Ask the children to consider whether comparing their item to a pea would communicate its true special nature.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2020 Andersen Press edition of ‘The Proudest Blue’ by Ibtihaj Muhammad for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The 'hijab' is a special item in 'The Proudest Blue'. What type of word is 'hijab'?
Q2.What type of words do you use to describe nouns?
Q3.If you use more than one adjective to describe a noun, which piece of punctuation do you use to separate them?
Q4.Which conjunction do you use to give a reason?
Q5.What does 'descriptive' refer to in writing?
Q6.Which of the following phrases would be considered most descriptive?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following adjectives would communicate the special nature of an item?
Q2.Which of the following adjectives would appropriately describe the colour green?
Q3.Match the colours to the appropriate adjectives to describe them.
burning, fiery, scarlet, crimson, rose, flaming, hot
snow, pearl, chalky, frosted, pale, cream, milk
chocolate, tanned, dusky, coffee, toasted, chestnut
Q4.What is a simile?
Q5.Match the simile to the sense it evokes for the reader.
sight
sound
touch
Q6.Complete the following simile appropriately: Her colourful scarf...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Writing descriptive sentences about a special item based on ‘The Proudest Blue’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Writing descriptive sentences about a special item based on ‘The Proudest Blue’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the 'The Proudest Blue': reading and writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.