Notice the amount of creativity your kids have in them already. Be aware of the level of intimacy created through thorough investigation. If this experience was enjoyable, do it again with another object. Emphasize finding the best and most accurate word for each description. When choosing to turn these observations into some kind of writing form, keep the notes with your child at the table.
Most academic subjects are abstract.
Yet they require the same level of intimacy with the subject matter as this exercise produces. To investigate a subject deeply means seeing it from various angles, in differing lights, using all the power of his senses and intuitions and memories to bring that subject to life. I would need to enter into the debate through my experience. My reading, studies, interviewing and reflecting all need to be informed by my willingness to know my subject matter intimately. I'd want to imagine myself in that dilemma with full access to my powers of creating that experience in me.