Try this simple activity with a friend…

1. Draw a picture on a piece of paper, but keep it a secret from your friend.

2. Without showing the drawing to your friend, try to give detailed instructions so that your friend can re-create the drawing without actually seeing the picture.

3. When you’re finished giving instructions, see how the original drawing compares to the one your friend made based on your instructions.

4. Switch roles.

This activity can be done with Legos or other materials.  In the picture below, the student is writing out instructions for his partner who will be given the individual pieces for the object.  The partner will try and build the object based on the written description.  What kind of words would you use to describe the object in the picture?