The Plot, the Setting, the Characters: Story Elements For Kids
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The Plot Chickens is about Henrietta, a writing chicken who uses the book Writing Rules to explain story elements and her story writing process with her chicken aunts and you, the reader.
Story Elements
Here are her basic story element tips:
1. You need a main character. . .
2. You need to hatch a plot.
A plot of land? . . .
3. Give your main character a problem.
I don’t want any problems! . . .
4. Develop your plot by asking “what if”
5. Write what you know. . .
6. Build suspense.
Build a fence?
7. Make sure your story comes alive by using all 5 senses
8. The main character must solve his/her own problem.
Her examples are hilarious.
Henrietta builds her story using character, plot, problem, background knowledge, what if’s, the five senses and the main character solving her own problem.
Do you recognize Henrietta? She lives in the book The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane and Herm Auch. It’s a hilarious read with fiction writing elements every writer must use – young or old! The Plot Chickens teaches literary elements which are found in all fiction books. I love it!
Use what you learn in this book to discuss other books you read and use it when you write your own story.
Ideas for Discussion
“What is the problem in this book? How do you think the main character will solve this problem by himself or herself?”
Use picture book mentor texts that teach problem and solution.
FIVE SENSES
“Does this make you see a picture in your mind? Hear something in your mind?”
Use picture book mentor texts that teach writing with sensory details.
CHARACTER
“Who is the main character?”
P.S. Plot Chickens even talks about the writer’s rejection. Know any adult writers who might need to read that part? (Holiday gift idea?!)
Tips for writing stories:
- Characters + setting + a problem and solution = a story! (Storytelling for Beginners)
- Deborah Underwood (a picture book author) shares how she plots using a Story Spine.
- Use a story starter toy or story starter game.
You Might Also Like:
20 Picture Book About Writing (Getting Ideas, Plotting, and More)
Aunt Isabella Tells a Good One is another book that describes story elements. I’m looking forward to reading The Plot Chickens.
thanks for the book suggestion!
What a clever little book The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane and Herm Auch is!
Thanks for highlighting it, Melissa. I definitely know a few adults who will be charmed by it too.
Love the look of your new site. Awesome!
Love it! That is too funny!
Oh my! That gave me a HUGE giggle – and funny if you look at my post today! 😀
This sounds exactly what a Book Chook needs!