~Include two vivid adjectives.
~Use a phrase or clause that tells "when" or "where."
~Start a sentence with "Because."
~Use a strong adverb in the sentence.
~ Use a quote style sentence.
~ Use a very strong, vivid verb (no "is," "go," etc.)
~ A sentence that has unique punctuation
And more!
In addition, they were given three options for the topic of their paragraphs:
~ Describe your picture.
~ Tell a short story (only one paragraph!) about your picture.
~ A nature lesson on the subject of your picture (this was by far the hardest one.)
Here are some of my favorite samples across the grades. Enjoy these beautiful pictures and paragraphs! (See if you can find the technique in each sentence that makes it different from the other sentences!)
Picture Descriptions:
by Kayla (3rd grade)
This graceful, shiny dolphin is jumping out of the air. Because of its incredible strength, it can easily fly out of the water. As it leaps, the sun is beautifully setting. The sky is blue and orange with puffy clouds. Obviously, dolphins are interesting creatures.
by Izzy (4th grade)
This is a family of three cute penguins in the snowy cold weather. Because the baby penguin can hardly walk, he is using his daddy's feet and body for support. When the dad walks, the baby penguin walks, too! "We are so grateful to have you, aren't we?" the mother asked. "Yes, we are," replied the father. "And I'm so lucky to have you as parents," added the toddler.
by Adam (5th grade)
Because the cheetah was going faster than anyone has seen before, its prey couldn't seem to get away. The unlucky gazelle was taken to the magnificent tree, where the two cheetahs got ride of every part and piece of the gazelle. After the poor animal was devoured, the cheetah started to look for another prey. He soon spotted a frightened gazelle, and sprinted, making sure he would catch it. I was lucky enough to catch a perfect photo, which reminds me of the precious moment.
by Niki (5th grade)
On a sunny morning, a big brown bear soared into the air with a salmon in its paws. The fish flapped its flippers in the bear's face, keeping it from being devoured. "Just keep flopping! Just keep flopping!" screamed the fish desperately. The bear closed its eyes and dug its paws into the salmon, finishing it off. Righteously, the bear sunk its teeth into the silver and pink flesh. What a delicious meal!
Story Time!
by Nicole (4th grade)
One day, I took a walk through a large forest. Then, I spotted a small, red-eyed frog sitting on a leaf. As I went down to get a closer look, I felt like I'd seen this sort of frog before, I just couldn't remember it. So I leaned over to pick it up, but to my surprise, it leaped onto my hand! Suddenly, I remembered its name: It was a Red-Eyed Tree Frog and..... it's poisonous! I shook my hand to try and drop it, but unfortunately I figured out what it was a little too late.......
by Bette (5th grade)
I walked through the woods on a cold winter day. Snowflakes pattered down on my warm winter coat. I looked up at the sky, but frosted trees blocked my view. "This forest is deserted," I thought. I looked around once more, when I spotted a bird. "Here, all alone, like me!" I thought. I walked up to the bird. Who knew that nature could be your best friend?
by Mira (6th grade)
From a high perch in some foliage, the scene pans to a small trio of drenched, maroon bears wandering a pebbly beach. Warily, two brothers protect the lookout, and a smallish sister, who gazes out into the distance, surveys the murky and eco-rich waves. They slowly wade in shallow water, as if yearning to reunite and find a family member of tasty meal in time to frolic together a little longer. Growling and murmuring drifts between the cubs, which are discussing a way to brave the turbulence! Like anticipatory spies, the triplets eagerly race to the other shore, clawing and pushing the water with lengthy claws; a technique that causes them to bob and advance rapidly through the choppy resistance. As I always say, "Determination along with teamwork creates a success." These persistent, young brown bears exemplify a symbol of childhood and bonding like no other animals.
Scientific Facts:
by Lucy (5th grade)
The Kakapo is a cute and friendly animal, which was once at the brink of extinction. It is the world's heaviest parrot at about twenty inches, and four to nine pounds. It gets its name from Kaka, which means owl-like. The Kakapo feathers are green on its back with yellow at the end of each feather. Moreover, they have long nails that are great for climbing, since this bird can't fly. This ia g great and beautiful creature that was thankfully saved from extinction by the Kakapo Recovery Team.
