Descriptosaurus: Myths & Legends Descriptosaurus: Myths & Legends builds on the vocabulary and descriptive phrases introduced in the original bestselling Descriptosaurus and, within the context of myths and legends, develops the structure and use of the words and phrases to promote colourful cinematic writing. This essential guide will enable children to take their writing to the next level, combine their descriptions of setting and character and show how the two interact. Children can then experiment with heroes, gods and supernatural beings to create a legendary story. This new system also provides a contextualised alternative to grammar textbooks and will assist children in acquiring, understanding and applying the grammar they will need to improve their writing, both creative and technical. 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’. Descriptosaurus Myths & Legends Alison Wilcox First published 2016 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN and by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2016 Alison Wilcox The right of Alison Wilcox to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The name ‘Descriptosaurus’ is a registered trademark by the author Registered under No. 2453231 on 21 April 2007 This mark has been registered in respect of Class 16 Printed matter; printed educational reference book In the name of Alison Stevenson All rights reserved. The purchase of this copyright material confers the right on the purchasing institution to photocopy pages which bear the photocopy icon and copyright line at the bottom of the page. No other parts of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Names: Wilcox, Alison, author. Title: Descriptosaurus : myths and legends / Alison Wilcox. Description: New York, NY : Routledge, 2016. Identifiers: LCCN 2015031446| ISBN 9781138858701 (hbk.) | ISBN 9781138858718 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781315717746 (ebk.) Subjects: LCSH: Creative writing (Elementary education) | Description (Rhetoric)—Study and teaching (Elementary) | Vocabulary—Study and teaching (Elementary) Classification: LCC LB1576 .W48759 2016 | DDC 372.62/3—dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015031446 ISBN: 978-1-13885870-1 (hbk) ISBN: 978-1-13885871-8 (pbk) ISBN: 978-1-31571774-6 (ebk) Typeset in Myriad Pro by Keystroke, Station Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Key elements Part 1: The setting 1 Hooks to build interest and tension Openings Warning of danger to come The ticking clock A decision/plan Too close for comfort Don’t do it! 2 Objects Objects Guidance Protection Escape Weapons/attack 3 The journey 4 Mountains Setting Interaction Reaction 5 Forests Setting Interaction Reaction 6 Caves Setting Interaction Reaction 7 Ruined cities Setting Interaction Reaction 8 Castles Setting Interaction Reaction Part 2: Atmosphere and suspense 9 Storms Part 3: Creatures 10 Parts, size and shape Type and body parts Covering 11 Head 12 Eyes 13 Arms and legs Arms and hands Legs and feet 14 Wings and tails Wings Tails 15 Smell and sound Smell Sound 16 Habitat 17 Movement 18 Weapons/attack 19 Interaction with and reaction to the creature Interaction Reaction 20 Defeating the creature Appendix Planning a myth or legend Plot planning sheet Hero planning sheet Creature planning sheet Object planning sheet The setting – S/C-I-R sheet The creature – S/C-I-R sheet Suspense: wind/sky – S/C-I-R sheet Suspense: storms – S/C-I-R sheet Suspense: rain – S/C-I-R sheet Suspense: waves and currents – S/C-I-R sheet Suspense: sounds, smells, touch – S/C-I-R sheet Acknowledgements My name might be on the front cover, but to complete this book took the help and support of a great many people. Without the unerring belief and support of my family and friends, I might never have reached the finishing line. Thanks to Andrew, Robert and Kitty for their patience and understanding; to my loyal black labradors, Alfie and Monty; to my wonderful parents, Ann and John, and to my friends, Gail and Jinny. Bruce Roberts at Routledge has been the mastermind behind the Descriptosaurus series, and as always, I owe him an immense gratitude for his wise words, guidance and support. Sarah Richardson’s efforts have been tireless and I am extremely grateful for her input and support. Maggie Lindsey-Jones and her team at Keystroke have been exceptional. The work of the National Literacy Trust is absolutely essential in helping to raise standards in literacy and their involvement was vital in creating the momentum to get the project started. To Katie and Tom. I hope you enjoy reading about your adventures!