In our class we call this "splitting the sentences." The activity/lesson is to take two basic sentences and have students add details to make each sentence into two sentences or more--hence the name "splitting the sentences." This activity really helps students that struggle with "IDEAS" or just want to write the minimum amount and call it good. When we go through the editing process, I will tell them that they need split sentences to add in those ALL important details! After the lesson, I wrapped their tables/desks in white butcher paper and had them write the new version of the provided sentences on the paper in marker and then the students walked around and saw how different the SAME two sentences could turn out. It was a great ending activity for the lesson -kinda like publishing for everyone to see. This would be appropriate for 2nd grade and higher. Here is a student sample.
