Teaching adjectives

Lesson

On the board, write several phrases with adjectives. For example: "fuzzy caterpillar," "scruffy pirate," "happy puppy," or "sweet apple." Write at least eight sets.
Tell the students that they will learn about adjectives. Explain that adjectives are words that describe, or tell about, other words.
Draw their attention to the board, slowly and deliberately read each set of words.
Go back to the first phrase. Point to the adjective and draw a line underneath it. Tell the students that this word is an adjective because it describes the noun beside it.
Repeat this process with the next two phrases.
From the fourth phrase onward, let the students identify each adjective.

Use a piece of tape or magnet to display one of the printed images on the board.
Below the image, write a word that describes it. For example, you could write "colorful" underneath a picture of a parrot.
Put up another image. Now, let the students give you words that describe that image. Allow them to use adjective phrases as well, e.g. "sharp beak."
Write each accurate suggestion below the image.
Take one of the adjectives or adjective phrases and use it in a sentence. For example, "The parrot has a very sharp beak." Underline the adjective and (if applicable) circle the noun it describes.
Repeat this process for the other suggestions.

Organize the class into equal groups.
Place the rest of the printed images face-down on a table and fan them out.
Have each group select a captain.
Walk to each group and let its captain choose a sheet.
Once each group has a picture, have the captains turn the sheets over.
Ask students to think about words that describe their pictures and discuss their words with their group members.
Have them write their words within the margins of the sheet.
After about 10 minutes, let the captains show their pictures and read the adjectives each group member wrote.
Give each group a small notebook. Tell them to choose two of their words to use in sentences, and have them write the sentences in their notebooks.
Visit groups as they work, giving assistance or comments where necessary.

Have students choose images from the remaining sheets to describe independently.
Each student should write at least three adjectives or adjective phrases and use at least two of them in sentences.
Remind students to underline the adjectives and circle the words they describe. Walk around the room to give assistance as needed.

Enrichment: Advanced students can be asked to also write exclamatory and interrogative sentences with their words.
Support: Visit struggling students and guide them through writing their sentences.

An interactive whiteboard or document camera and projector may be used to display the printed images.