Descriptive Details on the Farm!

Ages 7–10 · 8 minutes · English

Join Edwin on the farm as he does some descriptive writing!

Work with Edwin to learn about how the five senses can be used in writing to incorporate descriptive details.

Prior knowledge required: ability to read sentences

Part of

Reading Comprehension 2

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.5.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.

Alabama

ELA21.2.7e — Use adjectives and adverbs.
ELA21.3.40a — Use specific vocabulary to develop a story.
ELA21.4.35 — Write personal or fictional narratives using a logical plot, transitional words and phrases, sensory details, and dialogue, and providing a sense of closure.
ELA21.4.10a — Explain how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

Alaska

W.3.3.b — Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description and elaboration, and concrete and sensory details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings and to develop experiences and events showing the response of characters to situations or problems.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed (e.g., adding concrete and sensory details; elaborating on how the details chosen support the focus) by revising and editing.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details, and elaboration to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Arizona

4.W.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
2.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
3.W.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
3.W.5 — With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 3.)

Arkansas

3.W.4.P — Produce clear and coherent writing, using precise language, relevant details, elaboration, and gradeappropriate conventions.
3.W.7.P — Plan and revise writing, using words, phrases, and sentences for effect.
2.W.4.P — Produce clear and coherent writing, using precise language, relevant details and descriptions, and gradeappropriate conventions.
4.W.7.P — Plan and revise writing to convey ideas precisely.

California

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Colorado

RWC20-GR.3-S.3-GLE.3-EO — Write real or imagined narratives that use descriptive details, have a clear sequence of events, and provide closure.
RWC20-GR.4-S.3-GLE.3-EO.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
RWC20-GR.2-S.3-GLE.3-EO.e — Write with precise nouns, active verbs, and descriptive adjectives.
RWC20-GR.2-S.3-GLE.4-EO.a.iv — Use adjectives and adverbs, and choose between them depending on what is to be modified.
RWC20-GR.2-S.3-GLE.4-EO.c — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.

Connecticut

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Delaware

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Florida

ELA.3.C.1.5 — Improve writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing with guidance and support from adults and feedback from peers.
ELA.1.R.3.1 — Identify and explain descriptive words and phrases in text(s).
ELA.3.C.1.2 — Write personal or fictional narratives using a logical sequence of events, appropriate descriptions, dialogue, a variety of transitional words or phrases, and an ending.
ELA.2.C.1.5 — Improve writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing with guidance and support from adults and feedback from peers.

Georgia

ELAGSE3W3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
ELAGSE4W3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
ELAGSE4W3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Hawaii

4.W.3d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
2.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
2.W.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
3.W.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Idaho

2.VD.AV.3. — Acquire and use general academic and content-specific words gained through conversations, and reading and listening to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe situations with specificity (e.g., When other kids are acting silly, that makes me feel giddy). Use these words in discussions and writing.
3.W.RW.4 — Write personal or fictional stories that recount an event or experience, include details to develop the characters or event(s), and provide a sense of closure.
3.W.RW.6 — With support from adults and peers, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing should demonstrate command of grade-level Grammar and Conventions.)
1.VD.WB.2d — Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Illinois

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Indiana

4.W.3 — Write narrative compositions in a variety of forms that: a. Establish an introduction with context to allow the reader to imagine the world of the event or experience. b. Organize events that unfold naturally, using meaningful paragraphing and transitional words and phrases. c. Use dialogue and descriptive details to develop events and reveal characters’ personalities, feelings, and responses to situations. d. Employ vocabulary with sufficient sensory (i.e., sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) details to give clear pictures of ideas and events. e. Provide an ending that follows the narrated experiences or events. (E)
3.W.4 — Write narrative compositions in a variety of forms that: a. Establish an introduction (e.g., situation, narrator, characters). b. Include specific descriptive details and clear event sequences. c. Include dialogue. d. Connect ideas and events using introduction and transition words. e. Provide an ending. (E)
3.W.5 — Apply the writing process to – a. Generate a draft by developing, selecting, and organizing ideas relevant to topic, purpose, and genre; revise to improve writing, using appropriate reference materials (e.g., quality of ideas, organization, sentence fluency, word choice); and edit writing for format and conventions (e.g., spelling, capitalization, usage, punctuation). b. Use available technology to produce and publish legible documents.

Iowa

W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.3.5 — With scaffolding and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Kansas

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.10.b — Experiment with nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs when writing, making note of how each functions to create meaning.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Kentucky

C.4.3.e — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
C.3.3 — Compose narratives, using writing and digital resources, to develop real or imagined experiences or multiple events or ideas using effective technique, descriptive details and clear sequences.
L.2.4.f — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe.

Louisiana

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.3.5 — With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Maine

W.2.2.a — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
L.6.2.a — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
R.7.1.a — Identify words and phrases in a text that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
W.3.3.b — Develop the topic with relevant supporting details.

Maryland

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Massachusetts

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases, figurative language such as similes and metaphors, and sensory details to convey experiences or events precisely.
W.3.3 — Write narratives in prose or poem form to develop experiences or events using effective literary techniques, descriptive details, and clear sequences.
W.5.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences or events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, activities in the grade 2 curriculum, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe. (See grade 2 Reading Literature Standard 4 and Reading Informational Text Standard 4 on applying knowledge of vocabulary to reading; see grade 2 Writing Standard 5 and Speaking and Listening Standard 4 on strengthening writing and presentations by applying knowledge of vocabulary.)

Michigan

W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Minnesota

3.2.6.2 — Use dialogue and descriptive words, in written narratives, poetry or other creative text.
4.2.6.2 — Describe sensory detail in written narratives, poetry or other creative text.
3.2.6 — Write narratives, poetry and other creative texts with details and effective technique to express ideas.

Mississippi

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Missouri

2.W.2.C.c — develop sensory details
2.L.1.A.g — use adjectives and adverbs in sentences
2.R.3.B.c — explain examples of sensory details
3.W.1.C.a — develop and strengthen writing by revising • main idea • sequence (ideas) • focus • beginning/middle/end • details/facts (from sources, when appropriate) • word choice (related to the topic) • sentence structure • transitions • audience and purpose • voice .
3.W.2.C.b — use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and descriptions

Montana

W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Nebraska

LA.3.W.3.b — Include descriptive details about characters, events, or settings.
LA.4.W.3.b — Use precise words and phrases, descriptive/sensory details, and dialogue to develop characters, events, and settings.

Nevada

L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.

New Hampshire

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
L.2.5.a — Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., describe foods that are spicy or juicy).

New Jersey

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed through self-reflection, revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using narrative technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

New Mexico

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

New York

2R4 — Explain how words and phrases in a text suggest feelings and appeal to the senses. (RI&RL)
4W3d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
3L5b — Use words for identification and description, making connections between words and their use (e.g., describe people who are friendly or helpful).
3W3b — Use descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.

North Carolina

W.4.3.e — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases learned through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe.
W.2.3.b — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

North Dakota

3.W.7 — Write with intentional word choice that integrates emotion and descriptive language to develop visual imagery for the reader.
2.W.7 — Write with intentional word choice that integrates emotion or descriptive language.

Ohio

W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Oklahoma

3.5.W.2 — Students will use nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions, and adverbs to add clarity and variety to their writing.
4.5.W.2 — Students will use nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions, and adverbs to add clarity and variety to their writing.
2.2.W.1 — Students will prewrite and develop drafts by sequencing the action in a story or details about a topic through writing sentences.

Oregon

3.W.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
4.W.3d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
2.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe.
3.W.5 — With guidance and support, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 3.)

Pennsylvania

CC.1.4.4.O — Use dialogue and descriptions to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations; use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
CC.1.4.2.T — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
CC.1.4.3.C — Develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, and illustrations, as appropriate.
CC.1.3.1.F — Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Rhode Island

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases, figurative language such as similes and metaphors, and sensory details to convey experiences or events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, activities in the grade 2 curriculum, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe. (See grade 2 Reading Literature standard 4 and Reading Informational Text standard 4 on applying knowledge of vocabulary to reading; see grade 2 Writing standard 5 and Speaking and Listening standard 4 on strengthening writing and presentations by applying knowledge of vocabulary.)
W.3.3 — Write narratives in prose or poem form to develop experiences or events using effective literary techniques, descriptive details, and clear sequences.
W.5.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences or events precisely.

South Carolina

ELA.3.C.5.1 — Improve writing by planning, revising, editing, and building on personal ideas and the ideas of others to strengthen writing.
ELA.3.AOR.5 — Evaluate and critique how an author uses words, phrases, and text structures to craft text. (FK 1.98-5.34 LF 420-820)
ELA.3.C.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective techniques. (FK 1.98-5.34 LF 420-820)

South Dakota

3.W.3 — Write narratives (e.g. story, poetry, drama) to develop real and imagined experiences or events using descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
4.W.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
3.W.5 — With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, drafting, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 3.)

Tennessee

4.W.TTP.3.f — Use precise words and phrases and use sensory details to convey experiences and events.

Texas

2.11B.ii — developing an idea with specific and relevant details;
2.10D — discuss the use of descriptive, literal, and figurative language;
3.11B.ii — developing an engaging idea with relevant details;

Utah

4.W.3.d — Use concrete words, phrases, complex sentences, and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
2.R.8 — Explain how specific words and phrases express emotion, appeal to the senses, or determine the meaning of contentspecific words within a text. (RL & RI)
3.W.3 — Write narrative pieces to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, event sequences, and provide a concluding statement.
4.W.3 — Write narrative pieces to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, clear event sequences, and provide a resolution.

Vermont

W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.5.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.

Virginia

4.W.2.A.ii — Engage in writing as a process to compose well-developed paragraphs. This includes developing, selecting, and organizing ideas relevant to the topic, purpose, and genre using precise language and topic-specific words and phrases, descriptive details, and sensory language.
3.RL.2.B — Identify and explain how an author uses sensory language (e.g., sights, sounds, smells, and tastes) to impact a reader’s understanding of characters, settings, and plot events.
3.W.2.A.iii — Engage in writing as a process to compose a well-developed paragraph. This includes elaborating writing by including supporting details.
4.LU.1.C — Use adjectives to compare and describe noun or noun phrases with specificity when speaking and writing.

Washington

W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

Washington, D.C.

W.2.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
W.3.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.4.3.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
L.2.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

West Virginia

ELA.4.22.d — Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
ELA.2.41 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading, being read to, and responding to texts; use adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., when other kids are happy, that makes me happy).
ELA.3.22 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
ELA.5.24 — With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards up to and including grade 5.)

Wisconsin

ELA.2.R.4 — Explain how specific words and phrases express feelings, appeals to the senses, or determine the meaning of content-specific words within a text. (RI&RL)
ELA.2.W.3.c — Word Choice (including domain specific): uses descriptive words to demonstrate creativity and to provide vivid examples of feelings, events and images.
ELA.3.W.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, respond to questions and suggestions from peers and add details to strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
ELA.2.W.5 — With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.