Show, Don’t Tell

This creative writing worksheet helps students strengthen narrative writing, descriptive language, revision skills, emotional expression, and tone by practicing the “show, don’t tell” technique. Students rewrite a short passage about a character named Trevor, transforming a stated emotion into vivid actions, dialogue, body language, and sensory details that reveal feeling through craft rather than explanation.

Targeted Skills

• Narrative Writing Development – Students learn how to convey character emotions through actions, dialogue, and physical cues instead of direct statements.
• Descriptive Language & Word Choice – Learners practice selecting precise verbs, sensory details, and imagery to enhance storytelling.
• Emotional Expression & Tone – The activity reinforces how emotions influence tone, pacing, and reader engagement.
• Writing Craft & Revision – Students revise existing text to improve clarity, depth, and narrative effectiveness.

Instructional Support

• Educator-Designed Resource – Created to align with upper elementary and middle school writing standards.
• Flexible Use Options – Suitable for writing workshops, independent practice, small groups, or enrichment activities.
• Supports Diverse Writers – Helps both developing and advanced writers expand expressive techniques.
• Clear, Focused Task – Provides a structured prompt that encourages creativity without overwhelming students.
• Low-Prep Printable – Easy to implement in classrooms or homeschool settings.

This worksheet gives students focused practice with narrative writing, descriptive precision, emotional tone, and revision strategies that elevate storytelling. By shifting from telling to showing, learners gain confidence in writing craft and develop stronger, more engaging narratives. It’s an effective, no-prep resource for classroom instruction or homeschool writing lessons that build lasting creative writing skills.

This worksheet is part of our Describing Characters collection.