A Pet on a Porch Speaks--Fun Writing Ideas for Kids

This fantasy prompt about a pet goes great with an old calendar picture of a cat or a dog. Cats and dogs are such common pets and could realistically be sitting on a porch. This idea was a big hit among my campers! They loved choosing a dog/cat calendar picture from a stack of many.

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Now the Lesson!

To get a full understanding on how I conduct each writing lesson you may want to read the Writing Prompts Introduction post. The lesson outlined below (and all other prompts posted) will make more sense and be easier to follow and use. Here’s the lined paper I use for Grades K-2 and Grades 2-7

Tell the Story Line

Tell the story line to your writers: “A friend says something that hurts the main character. The main character walks home sad. He/she suddenly hears a cat or dog speak from a porch. The animal invites the character inside. The seemingly normal house turns out to be a wonderland. While in the house, other animals speak and the character learns a lesson. The story concludes with the dog/cat offering to walk the character home. The character has a change of heart and attitude.

Show the 5 Sections

1. Conversation and feelings.
2. Pet speaks. Entering the house.
3. Describe the house.
4. Animals’ words and actions.
5. Character’s change of heart. Final thoughts.

Now to write!

First, begin the story with a quotation. A friend says something hurtful. Write what the friend says in one, at most, two sentences. Use another word instead of said and name the friend. For example: “I didn’t know you wanted to go with us,” Sally admitted.
Next, name the main character and one sentence about starting back home. For example, Tony left to walk home.
Third, describe the characters actions that SHOW she/he is sad. 1-3 sentences. For example, His head was down. His hands were in his pockets and he kicked rocks every other step.