Teach “Show, Don’t Tell” with a Quick, Descriptive Writing Mini-Lesson! Want your students to write with voice, detail, and emotion—not just summaries? This ready-to-use “Show, Don’t Tell” handout and activity helps students transform basic statements into vivid, engaging writing using sensory detail, figurative language, dialogue, and more.

Perfect for grades 6 and up, this no-prep writing lesson includes clear examples and scaffolded practice—ideal for narrative writing, figurative language units, or creative warm-ups.

What’s Included:

2-Page Handout

• Definitions + examples of “telling” vs. “showing”
• Techniques include vivid verbs, figurative language, descriptive details, and dialogue

2-Page Practice Activity

• Rewrite basic sentences to show action/emotion
• Label which writing technique was used
• Respond to prompts using vivid, descriptive writing

Why Teachers Love It:

• Easy to use—just print or assign
• Engaging and student-friendly
• Reinforces narrative writing and descriptive language
• Great for grades 5–10
• Works in writing workshops, sub plans, stations, or warm-ups
• Answer Key Included
• Printable & Digital Formats Provided

Perfect For:

• Narrative and descriptive writing units
• Figurative language practice
• Writing centers or interactive notebooks
• Middle and high school creative writing
• Mini-lessons or bell ringers