The Code of Literature

by Steve Bennett

Ages: Kids 7-10, adaptable for kids 5-6
Required: Just your time.

First, with your child, read aloud a favorite storybook. Then, discuss which words are most important. For example, in the story about the three little pigs, the terms "pig," "wolf," "house," and "blow" feature prominently. Make a list of these words, and with your child, decide what you'll do -- skip these words, or substitute other terms for them. Finally, ask your child to retell the story using these substitutions.

Alternatively, older children might invent their own literary codes. They can use their substitutions to tell the story, and you have to guess the name of the tale.

Younger children might appreciate a code in which they substitute key words for actions. For example, every time the word "pig" appears, they hop on one foot; instead of saying "wolf," they clap; "house" translates into patting their heads; "blow" means to jump, and so on. So what do you think happened when the [clap] tried to [jump] down the straw [pat your head] of the first little [hop]?

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