We are reading Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White as a family for our homeschooling this month. The kids and I are enjoying this delightful book, and the novel has spilled into an integrated multi-week project for my first grader. If you are looking for an easy, literature-based activity that sparks creativity and teaches the element of story, here is an idea . . .
As you are reading Charlotte’s Web aloud to your kids, have your elementary-aged child create his/her own barnyard of animals.
First, create the characters. We used blank white paper and the Draw, Write, Now art books to draw and color different animals. On each character page, have the child write a sentence, five descriptive words, and a name.
Next, create the setting. Draw the place where the animals are living.
Third, write the stories. We are in the process of writing several short stories including the created animals. We talk about conflict and themes and good beginnings and strong endings. Sometimes I have her write them herself, but oftentimes I will let her dictate them to me (since her imagination is far beyond her ability right now to actually write). I also ask her to illustrate each story.
We are in the process of creating an entire booklet of character descriptions and “chapters” of our barnyard world, and it has proven to be a project that she always asks to do (and not one I have to be a cheerleader for).
Have fun!
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