Activity Objective

The goal of Making Teddy Bears: Motivating Descriptive Writing is to promote the enjoyment of books and motivate students to write descriptive paragraphs by providing students with a hands-on task of creating a teddy bear that reflects a character from a story read aloud.

What You Need

Prep Time:

20 minutes
- Photocopy Teddy Bear template
- Photocopy Writing Paper worksheet

Task Time:

40-60 minutes
- Teacher reads aloud selected story
- Teacher introduces task and models how to create a teddy bear
- Students create teddy bears
- Students write descriptive paragraphs

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Selected story

Students:
- Teddy Bear template
- Writing Paper worksheet
- Scissors
- Glue
- Coloring materials
- Pencils

Optional:
- A stuffed bear

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while reading story and introducing task

Modeling:
- while modeling how to create a teddy bear

Supporter:
- while students create teddy bears and write descriptive paragraphs

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- during read aloud, introduction of task and modeling of how to create a teddy bear

Individual:
- when students create teddy bears and write descriptive paragraphs

Assessment Ideas:

- Use a checklist to track fine motor control

- Provide students with oral feedback as they create their teddy bears and write their descriptive paragraphs

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Display teddy bear creations and descriptive paragraphs on a writing wall or hallway display board

- Keep teddy bear creations in a dramatic play center for students to use as they create skits and participate in role play

- Have the students write a journal entry from the perspective of their teddy bears

- Model how to write a descriptive paragraph and provide students with another opportunity to describe a character from a book

Additional Comments:

- As you read the story aloud stop at different parts and think aloud about the characters, a prediction or a connection. Check for understanding by asking related questions.

- Hands-on activities are fun and enjoyable. They also allow kinaesthetic learners to show their understanding in a different way. Incorporating hands-on activities into all subject areas promotes differentiated instruction and allows all students to reach their potential.

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Provide a quiet working space for students disturbed by sound

- Provide extra support to student whose fine motor skills are developing when cutting out teddy bear template