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Year 2

Writing descriptive sentences about a special item based on ‘The Proudest Blue’

I can write descriptive sentences about a special item.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 2

Writing descriptive sentences about a special item based on ‘The Proudest Blue’

I can write descriptive sentences about a special item.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The colour blue is referred to repeatedly throughout the story and is part of what makes Asiya's hijab special to her.
  2. The author states what the hijab isn't as a way of communicating its special nature.
  3. Colours can be used to represent ideas, objects and feelings.
  4. Precise adjectives can enhance the description of colours and nouns.
  5. Similes can be used to compare two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Common misconception

Children may find it difficult to develop appropriate similes for their special item.

Model examples for a range of colours and powerful nouns they could be compared to. E.g. Green items could be compared to elements of a meadow or a tree.

Keywords

  • Colour - a visual perception related to an object's light absorption

  • Simile - a linguistic device that compares two things using 'like' or 'as', highlighting similarities and creating vivid imagery

  • Compare - to note what is the same and what is different

  • Adjective - a word that describes a noun

Explore different examples of similes and consider the meaning and importance of the comparison. E.g. 'As green as a pea'. Ask the children to consider whether comparing their item to a pea would communicate its true special nature.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the 2020 Andersen Press edition of ‘The Proudest Blue’ by Ibtihaj Muhammad for this lesson.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The 'hijab' is a special item in 'The Proudest Blue'. What type of word is 'hijab'?
an adjective
a verb
Correct answer: a noun
Q2.
What type of words do you use to describe nouns?
adverbs
verbs
Correct answer: adjectives
Q3.
If you use more than one adjective to describe a noun, which piece of punctuation do you use to separate them?
question mark
Correct answer: comma
full stop
Q4.
Which conjunction do you use to give a reason?
Correct answer: because
and
so
Q5.
What does 'descriptive' refer to in writing?
Correct answer: use of language which creates a vivid image for the reader
simple and factual language to teach the reader
questions to ask the reader
Q6.
Which of the following phrases would be considered most descriptive?
blue hijab
sea blue, silk hijab
Correct answer: sea blue, silk hijab flowing with pride

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following adjectives would communicate the special nature of an item?
Correct answer: rare
nice
Correct answer: precious
Correct answer: cherished
simple
Q2.
Which of the following adjectives would appropriately describe the colour green?
Correct answer: leafy
Correct answer: olive
kind
rose
Q3.
Match the colours to the appropriate adjectives to describe them.
Correct Answer:red,burning, fiery, scarlet, crimson, rose, flaming, hot

burning, fiery, scarlet, crimson, rose, flaming, hot

Correct Answer:white,snow, pearl, chalky, frosted, pale, cream, milk

snow, pearl, chalky, frosted, pale, cream, milk

Correct Answer:brown,chocolate, tanned, dusky, coffee, toasted, chestnut

chocolate, tanned, dusky, coffee, toasted, chestnut

Q4.
What is a simile?
Correct answer: a linguistic device that compares two things, highlighting similarities
a linguistic device that compares two things, highlighting differences
a linguistic device that pairs two things which rhyme
Q5.
Match the simile to the sense it evokes for the reader.
Correct Answer:a faded shade of orange like the sunset,sight

sight

Correct Answer:jangles like chimes in the wind,sound

sound

Correct Answer:blanket as soft as a feather,touch

touch

Q6.
Complete the following simile appropriately: Her colourful scarf...
Correct answer: is like a rainbow.
Correct answer: is as fluffy as sheep's fur.
is fluffy and warm.
is long and tassly