Show, Don’t Tell Locations

Overview:

A worksheet designed to help students describe locations using sensory details and actions instead of simply naming them. Designed for middle and upper years students.

Learning Objectives:

• Use descriptive language to create vivid settings.
• Incorporate sensory details and character actions to ‘show’ locations.
• Strengthen creative writing skills by making settings more immersive.

How the Activity Works:

Students are given a list of locations, such as a beach, cinema, or birthday party. For each, they must write a sentence or short passage that conveys the setting through sensory details and character actions rather than stating it directly. For example, instead of writing "In a library," a student might describe a character tiptoeing between tall bookshelves, the scent of old paper filling the air. This activity encourages students to bring their writing to life with rich descriptions.