Exploring Sensory Perceptions in Writing

I Do: Listening to "Death of
a Naturalist"

●Listen as the poet, Seamus Heaney’s reads aloud his poem "Death of a
Naturalist."

●Pay attention to the sensory details used
in the poem.

●Think about how these details create a
vivid picture in your mind.

Class Discussion: Analyzing Heaney's Poem

●Which sensory perceptions are used in the poem?

●Are a place and character realized through the sensory
perceptions?

●How is time being organized — do the perceptions come from
one moment or many?

We Do: Exploring
"Netherley" by Paul Farley

●Read the provided excerpts from
‘Netherley’ by Paul Farley.

●Look for specific sensory details in the text
(sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

●Answer the questions below:

●What senses are being highlighted in the
text? Provide specific examples.

●How do these sensory details contribute to
the story’s setting and characters?

●How does the author’s organization of time
(past, present, future) impact the
storytelling?

Small Group Discussion:
Sharing Insights

●Share your answers with your group.

●Discuss how sensory details create a
sense of place and character.

●Discuss how time is used to enhance
these perceptions.

You Do: Reading "Tomorrow is Too Far"

●Read the excerpts from ‘Tomorrow is Too Far’ by Chimamanda
Ngozi Adichie.

●Write a short analysis (1-2 paragraphs) explaining how sensory
perceptions contribute to the overall storytelling.

●Include specific sensory details from the text.

●Explain how these details help create a sense of place, mood, or
character.

●Discuss how the sensory details affect the narrative.

Exit Ticket: Reflecting on
Sensory Perceptions

●Before you leave, write a brief reflection
(2-3 sentences) on what you learned today
about the use of sensory perceptions in
writing.

●How can this understanding help you in
your own storytelling?

Understanding
Sensory Perceptions

●Sensory perceptions include sight, sound,
touch, taste, and smell.

●They help create vivid imagery and
immerse the reader in the story.

●Sensory details can evoke emotions and
build a connection with the reader.

Using Sight in Writing

●Visual details help paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

●Describe colors, shapes, and movements.

●Example: "The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and
pink."

●How can you use sight to enhance your writing?

Incorporating Sound

●Sound details bring scenes to life with
auditory elements.

●Describe noises, music, and voices.

●Example: "The leaves rustled softly in the
evening breeze."

●How does sound affect the mood of a
scene?

Engaging Other
Senses

●Touch: Describe textures and
temperatures.

●Taste: Include flavors and sensations.

●Smell: Evoke memories and emotions with
scents.

●Example: "The aroma of freshly baked
bread filled the room."

●How can you use these senses to deepen
your storytelling?