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In the Beginning
On Hand: A handful of books you have read aloud in the past year in which the main character is easily identified.
Mini-Lesson: The beginning of most stories (whether they follow the pattern of three or not), introduces a character who wants something. Encourage students to think of stories they have read or heard and ask, "Who is the main character? What does the main character want?" Students adore answering these questions. The experience is akin, I believe, to getting the questions right on Jeopardy. Once they get going, they don't want to stop. Here are some possible answers:
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (1991): Chrysanthemum wants a new name.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems (2004): Trixie wants Knuffle Bunny.
Little Pea by Amy Kraus Rosenthal (2005): Little Pea wants to avoid candy.
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (1960): Little Bird wants its mother
Story is about yearning. We keep turning the pages because we become invested in the character's desire and want him or her to succeed. By simply knowing what their characters' want at the beginning of a story, students will write with more purpose and their stories will take on more shape.
You might post a list of some of the things literary characters strive for. Suggest that your students begin a story with a character who wants something.
Extension: Suggest students look through your classroom library in search of book pairs: two characters who want similar things. Here are some possible pairings:
· Olivia and Fancy Nancy want glamour
· Brave Charlotte and Adventure Annie want adventure
· McDuff and Hermit Crab want a home | 
