The Zoo Stories: A Fun Writing Activity (continued)

• What can you observe about them and their environment?

• How do you think these animals would get along if there were no cages to separate them?

• What kinds of people do the animals make you think of? (Example: a penguin looks like a man in a tuxedo, a peacock looks like a colorful princess).

After your child has enough food for thought, it’s time to head home and start writing. Encourage him not to think of structure at first. Instead give him 30 minutes to “power write”, in other words, just write without worry of how it will all come together. Afterward, ask him to read the draft to you. Help your child select what he thinks are the best parts. Then, guide your child through working up a beginning, middle and end.

Chances are these in-depth, free-form stories will be fun, zany and full of insightful observations. Using your child’s natural curiosity and vivid imagination is a great way to get pen to paper. And you’ve spent the whole afternoon learning about animals without once switching the television to Animal Planet!