HOW TO WRITE A FABLE

Fables… … a story that teaches a lesson …characters are animals …animals talk ***

Fable Elements Many things to think about before writing a fable Moral – a lesson Animals Animals’ names Setting Introducing the animals/characters Dialogue between characters Sequencing events of the story Conclusion of story / moral

Moral a life long lesson Life-long lesson Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Cheaters never win. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Good lessons – but not considered a life-long lesson- Not a Moral Pick up trash on the road. Brush your teeth three times a day. Don’t hit your brother or sister. Write down a few morals you think you can use. ***

Choose your animals (2) Animals should “go with the moral” Often a “good guy/bad guy relationship” Often they are “natural enemies” Personification: animals take on human characteristics Good Guy/Bad Guy Mouse/Snake Natural Enemies Cat/Dog Bad: snake/shark/bear/lion/rat Good: bunny/mouse/kitten/cow ***

Setting… Where/ When story takes place SETTING SEASON SUMMER / WINTER SPRING / AUTUMN TIME DAY NIGHT DUSK / DAWN NOON / MIDNIGHT PLACE OCEAN SCHOOL DESERT FOREST

Names of Animals Names should suit the moral/story/setting Slither, the snake – desert Sly Fox – forest Messy Mouse – barn Goldie Fish - ocean/pond Hairy Bear - cave Fluffy Bunny - hole in ground ***

Writing the Story Beginning Setting Middle Introduce Characters Problem Events End Conclusion Moral ***

Remember Fable Elements There are many things to think about before writing a fable Moral – teaches a life-long lesson Animals Animals’ names Setting Introducing the animals/characters Dialogue between characters Sequencing events of the story Conclusion of story / moral ***