How can I help 11/12 year olds understand funny descriptive writing?

Question

I've got to teach a weak-ish group of 11/12 year olds funny descriptive writing, but I can't think of any examples suitable. Although I am ok at descriptive writing, I find it hard to explain it to someone else unless they have been taught exactly the same as me.

If anyone could give examples of funny descriptive writing, or how I could explain it, I would be very grateful.

Answer 1

Check out the "Captain Underpants" series of books - funny descriptive potty humor.

Some good authors for that age group: Jerry Spinelli, Michael Dorris, Katherine Patterson.

Answer 2

whats funny descriptive writing?

Answer 3

Hi there,

Heres what I recommend.

If the 11 year olds are aware of adverbs, adjectives, etc

start with that.

E.g. make a simple sentence descriptive.

The cat walked down the street.

The black cat walked down the street.

The black cat walked quickly down the dark street.

Once they are familiar with simple descriptive writing, introduce them to metaphors and similes - this can create humour, while still being descriptive.

E.g. metaphor

died of embarrasment

e.g simile.

nervous as a fish out of water

Alternatively, have a browse in the library for various books and novels, and go from there.

If you wish to send me an email im at [e-mail]

kara x

Answer 4

The website listed below is based on the author David Wiesner (he makes wordless picture books).  Scroll down to the bottom and you click on four buttons, verb, noun, prepositional phrase and adjective.  This will give you a funny line such as "squirmy goat leaping around school."  I used this with my first graders as a writing prompt and our art teacher even used it for creative free draw.  I don't think this is exactly what you're looking for but it's a different and neat resource to have!

Answer 5

Write one

Find some in a book/magazine

Ask your colleagues for ideas

Ask the librarian for ideas (everyone always forgets the librarian!)