Two Week Food Based Writing Unit: Focus on Sensory Detail & Critical Analysis

In this bundled product, you can get both the “Gather Together- Descriptive Writing Unit” and “Gather Together- Food Critique Unit." Together, you will have two weeks of creative writing lessons to use with your students and they will absolutely love how the writing revolves around the enjoyment of food!

Week One:

In this writing unit, “Gather Together- Descriptive Writing Unit,” students will review and practice using sensory details within a narrative writing piece. Through a hands-on sensory detail game (where students become “secret tasters” at a restaurant), teacher modeling, and peer discussions, students will explore a memory they have that is tied to a favorite recipe. Using this memory of a special recipe, students will write and publish a descriptive personal anecdote, similar to what one might find on a professional food blog! Students will love becoming “taste testers” and drawing upon memories of their favorite foods!

This unit includes:

- A one week guide for teachers: Contains step by step instructions for conducting the unit

- Student Handouts: Sensory detail observation table, discussion questions, recipe card, a section for brainstorming and rough drafts, sample anecdote, & sample sensory detail revisions

- Sample final copy of published anecdote

- Rubric included for easy grading

Week Two:

In this writing unit, “Gather Together- Food Critique Unit,” students will practice using critical analysis skills to critique imaginary restaurants. To extend the learning one step further, students will become food critics, using a pre-made observation chart to review a series of meals (at home or during school lunches). They will then use descriptive language (especially sensory details) to write a review that centers on the four major aspects of restaurant success- atmosphere, service, meal quality, and meal presentation. Through guided journaling, peer discussions, and hands-on observation students will engage in the art of critical analysis using a medium we all love- food!

This unit includes:

- A one week guide for teachers: Contains step by step instructions for conducting the unit

- Student Handouts: Journal questions, discussion questions, a section for recording ratings and observations, a note-taking section, and a space for writing the rough draft/final copy

- Slideshow of imaginary restaurant scenarios, observation charts, student notes, and sample critical review

- Sample final copy of a published critical review

- Rubric included for easy grading

Additional resources you might be interested in:

Poetry Unit for Inspiring and Empowering Young Authors

Picture Book Evaluation Project

Thank you and happy teaching!

Mrs. J

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