Module 1 - The Plot Chickens

Summary

This book shows the writer's process and teaches the parts of a story by following the writing adventures of a chicken named Henrietta.  She is a voracious reader; through her reading, she has uncovered a formula for crafting a well-written story.  She uses this formula to write her own story, which becomes a favorite among the children at her local library.

My impressions

I liked this book.  I think it is a fun way to teach what can be a fairly dry topic.  It is also a good way to teach younger readers the mechanics of a story, so that they can begin to analyze what they are reading.  The story focuses on breaking down the parts of a story, but there is enough chicken humor that readers will not be bored.

Reviews

A reviewer with the School Library Journal notes that this book is humorous and includes busy, colorful pictures.  She notes that it is "a funny picture book that could be used as a manual on writing" (Bates, 2009).  The word order there is no doubt deliberate - the book is fun enough to stand on its own, but is also a great teaching tool.

Use in a library

A great way to use this in a library is part of an ongoing writer's workshop.  Students could start by being read this story and using it to analyze other stories.  Then, after the audience has a firm grasp of the parts of a story (and how an author might differ from this formula), they can write their own stories.  Students would really enjoy if it were possible to have the stories bound at the conclusion of the program.

References

Auch, M. J., & Auch, H. (2010). The Plot Chickens. New York, NY: Holiday House.

Bates, I.  (2009). Preschool to Grade 4.  School Library Journal, 3.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6641313.html.