Responses to Literature
Have you ever read a wonderful story and then been terribly disappointed by the ending of the story? Or have you ever wondered what might have happened if the characters had behaved differently at the end? Read a favorite family book, stopping just before you reach the conclusion. Think about ways in which the story might have turned out differently. Now write a new ending to the story. Have family writers all construct different endings, and then read them aloud.
Even the oldest of folk tales unfolds in a new and surprising way when told from a different point of view. Consider the tale of the three little pigs and the bid bad wolf. You've heard this story throughout your life, but it takes on a new twist when you read the story from the wolf's perspective. (See The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas and The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf.) Try this out with a favorite story. Why, for instance, did Hansel and Gretel's stepmother want to get rid of them? Let her tell the story for a change.
This activity gives you a way to involve faraway family members and friends in your family writing activities. First, pick up a copy of Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown and read it aloud; then pass it along to the people you want to have join you in this activity. Flat Stanley is a little boy who has an unfortunate accident with a bulletin board, but who manages to live a very full life in spite of the fact that he's as thin as a sheet of paper. One of the advantages of being so thin is that Stanley can travel anywhere he wants to go via US mail.
After reading the story, draw a Flat Stanley on a piece of sturdy construction paper. You can also make paperdoll-like clothes that reflect your interests, the area where you live, and so on. For example, we live in Arizona so we would likely dress Stanley in cowboy boots or tourist clothes (with a paper camera strapped across his chest, of course!). Now write a letter to explain to the people you've invited to join you that Flat Stanley has come for a visit and is very interested in learning about the way they live. Ask them to take Flat Stanley along on family trips, show him their favorite hiding places, take him to their library, and so on. If possible, ask them to photograph Stanley in the activities he shares with them and then to send Stanley home with a letter telling about his adventures with them.
We all have the occasional day full of mishaps and disappointments. When our children are having a day like this, they might enjoy hearing the story of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. After hearing the story, children can write a letter to Alexander to tell him about their own experiences and share their feelings of frustration, disappointment, or sadness. It's good therapy. If the letters are posted in the family post office (see the Personal Narrative page), parents can take on the role of Alex and write back to encourage children to look forward to more successful days.
Take
a look at one of the Jolly Postman books which are literally filled
with letters, cards, newspapers, and other documents sent from famous fairy
tale characters to their friends. Use this idea as an inspiration
to create your own collection of letters to and from characters from favorite
stories and books.
Letters
to Authors
When we read a book that opens our eyes or teaches us something wonderful, we feel we would like to express our gratitude to the author. Indeed, feedback like that is what keeps writers alive and working on the next project. Think of an author who has meant a great deal to you, and sit down and write a thank you note to that author. Did your favorite author die 200 years ago? No problem--the point of this activity is to give you an opportunity to express your appreciation.
Many contemporary authors now have homepages on the Internet where you can email them directly and, perhaps, even receive a response to your note. For a particularly lovely example of an author's homepage, check out Jan Brett's website.
This site is part of a sabbatical project created by Linda Evans, English Department, Mesa Community College, and funded by the Maricopa County Community College District. Please send comments, suggestions, and ideas to Linda Evans, English Department, Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85202 or email levans@mail.mc.maricopa.edu.