Title – Kinesthetic Activity for Process Writing

By – Sharon Taylor

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Grade Level – 6-8

Teacher defines expository and process writing as step-by-step instructions on how to do something. Teacher writes on board some transition words (first, second, third, next, after that, finally, last) for the students in incorporate in their writing. Students are asked to write a paragraph on “How to Brush Your Teeth”. With all the needed materials (small tubes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, water, cups, and small bucket or bowl for “sink”, students act out what they wrote.

Teacher reads the best ones for demonstrating or acting out what happens if the writer lacks specific details, leaves out steps, or writes steps out of sequence. Students volunteer to act them out. This lesson results in much laughter as students watch others do exactly as written — such as, not spitting out, not putting toothbrush in or out of mouth, not stating where to put the toothpaste on the brush (students rarely say bristles, so toothpaste can go anywhere), etc.

The students remember this as it is a great kinesthetic (and visual) practice on consequence of not writing specifically and sequentially. (I don’t read the students’ names, but since it hasn’t been taught, it is all done in fun.) Students are then instructed to re-write the paragraphs. They are given a list of prepositions that will help them be more specific, such as “against”, “on top of”, etc. Students also get to see how it is difficult to write some things without using prepositions. Re-writes are well written, with an eye for detail! It’s a fun activity, and students really enjoy it. Many carry around their toothbrush the entire day.

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