Henrietta is a writing chicken.  She uses the book Writing Rules and discusses her story writing process with her chicken aunts, one of whom is slightly deaf.

“Rule One:You need a main character. . .

Rule Two:  You need to hatch a plot.

A plot of land? . . .

Rule Three:  Give your main character a problem.

I don’t want any problems! . . .

Rule Five:  Write what you know. . .

Rule Six:  Build suspense.

Build a fence?” (Am I the only one giggling here?)

And so it goes.  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.

Use what you learn in this book to discuss other books you read or when you write.

Dialogue during reading.  Here are some ideas.

PROBLEM / SOLUTION: “What is the problem in this book?  How do you think the main character will solve this problem by himself or herself?”

FIVE SENSES: “Does this make you see a picture in your mind? Hear something in your mind?”

CHARACTER: “Who is the main character?”

P.S.  Plot Chickens even talks about writer’s rejection.  Know any adult writers who might need to read that part?   (Holiday gift idea?!)

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Tag(s): homeschool ideas, picture books about writing, writing activities