Now in its fully updated fourth edition, the bestselling Descriptosaurus is the first book for creative writing that is a thematic expansion of a dictionary and a thesaurus; it provides students with a language toolkit with which to expand their descriptive vocabulary, experiment with language and sentence structure and build up narratives based around settings, characters and creatures.

Descriptosaurus positions the word, zooms in on it to examine the meaning, expands it into phrases, and then provides alternatives in words, phrases and sentences; the model was created and refined over a number of years as a result of feedback from students inside and outside the classroom as to the resources they required to inspire and assist them with their writing. For reluctant writers or those faced with blank page syndrome, it provides essential starting points to encourage putting pen to paper, not only inspiring students, but also building their confidence, encouraging them to use, apply and create using the correct grammatical structures, and adding colour to their writing through evaluation and experimentation.

New features for this expanded edition include:

• Additional vocabulary, including technical vocabulary for non-fiction topics such as volcanoes, mountains and caves
• An additional chapter to cover the popular primary topic of cold climates and polar exploration
• How to use word clines to expand vocabulary and explore shades of meaning
• Guidelines, resources and models to scaffold learning about grammar
• Sentences that have been expanded and reworked to provide modelled sentences for DFI (Detail, Flow and Impact)
• Guidelines, resources, exercises and models to support the teaching of sentence construction using imitation, combining and expansion techniques

Accompanied by Instructor and Student Resources containing all the games, planning sheets and vocabulary builders from the book, this is an ideal resource to dramatically improve students' creative writing, confidence and facility with sentence construction for all primary and secondary English teachers, literacy coordinators and parents. It would also make an excellent classroom book for PGCE students, particularly Primary PGCE with English specialism.

About the Author

Alison Wilcox has extensive teaching experience in schools in England and Scotland. Colleagues describe her methods as 'innovative and inspirational to even the most reluctant of writers'.

Reviews

Reviews from previous editions:

'This book is a treasure trove of descriptive language... Highly recommended for both teachers and parents. I wish I'd had a copy of this book when I was a full time English teacher! Invest in a copy today; you'll be glad you did.'

Sue Cowley, bestselling author, teacher and teacher trainer

'Help to banish "blank page syndrome" forever, with this innovative book... Created by teacher, Alison Wilcox, this inspirational book will build children's confidence in their writing ability.'

Literacy Times Plus

'A real "godsend" to hard-pressed teachers, parents and pupils.'

Denis Hayes, author of Foundations of Primary Teaching

'...perfect for the modern day classroom... fantastic!'

Emma Palastanga, primary deputy head

'The... book/CD will be so helpful to teachers who are struggling to think of different ways to say things and will enhance their planning and teaching. As a classroom resource it will be invaluable.'

Elaine Smitheman, primary school teacher

Book Information
ISBN 9781032707716
Author Alison Wilcox
Format Hardback
Page Count 358
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1380g