Today we are going to learn just how to BUILD TENSION. This is adding details and using words and similes that make the reader WANT to know what is going to happen next!!!
So, how do we do it?

• We need to create atmosphere through our description of the action and the setting – using our 5 + 1  senses. (See, Hear, Touch, Smell, Taste and Feelings)
• We need to use short and long sentences to make our writing exciting. Shorter when the action heats up.
• We need to get inside our character’s head and add in the thoughts and feelings of the character as the action happens. eg. What was that? How am I going to get out of here?

Today we are going to start by watching a few videos of the Winter Olympics to get the sounds and feelings of the different sports.

Then we are going to choose an image to WRITE A TENSION SCENE about.  In groups we will brainstorm words and similes we can use for the 6 senses.  Then on our own, we are going to try and write a tension scene.  We will stick the image into our draft writing books and write underneath.

It’s going to be so much fun!  :-

ICE SKATING VIDEOS

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE IMAGES TO WRITE ABOUT ICE SKATING AS YOUR TENSION SCENE.

SIMILES – Remember Ethan described being behind a wave…He said “it was like watching a tsunami wave rolling to shore”.  And he said the fridge fell over and the open fridge door…”looked like a wide open mouth, full of food.”  (Great job, Ethan! :- )

Think about an unusual thing you can compare it to – and there must be one similar thing between the two things. Look at Ethan’s ideas – can you see what is similar? But – the LIKE….(simile) really uses your imagination and is exciting writing! 😎

We’ll start together and then you can continue with your groups. 🙂

On your whiteboard, draw up a grid with 6 boxes. Write headings on each and leave space to write your ideas too!

I SEE          I HEAR               I SMELL               I TASTE                I TOUCH          I FEEL

Here is an example of the kinds of things we are going to brainstorm and write:

Let’s have a go together!  Get your whiteboards and a partner ready. Draw up 6 squares on your whiteboard and label them like you saw in the image just above.  Let’s get started with me helping you.  🙂