Write a Fantasy Story

Materials

• Pencils
• Paper

Suggested Grouping

• Individuals

STUDENTS will write their own short fantasy stories in which they drive through the Phantom Tollbooth into a fantasyland.

REVIEW the elements of fantasy in The Phantom Tollbooth. Discuss how characters such as Tock, a talking dog, and Chroma's unusual symphony orchestra, which plays color instead of music, add a fantastic quality to the story.

SUGGEST that students write another story about Milo, or place themselves in their own story. Remind them to include the elements of plot: problem, key events, suspense, and a solution. Encourage them to use descriptive words like the colors mentioned in the story and to illustrate their stories.

ORGANIZE a Fantastic Stories reading event. Volunteers can read their stories aloud to the class, or students can exchange stories and read them silently.

GRADE students on their ability to develop the plot and include elements of fantasy.

Technology

Speaking Skills Ask students to record their fantasy stories. Encourage them to use sound effects. Students who heavily illustrate their stories might prefer to videotape the illustrations and provide the story in voice-over.

Create a Character Collage

Materials

• Drawing Paper, crayons or markers
• Pencils
• Magazines
• Glue

Suggested Grouping

• Partners or small groups

SUGGEST that students start their collages with a drawing of a character from The Phantom Tollbooth.

PROVIDE magazines from which students can cut out words and phrases that describe their character. Students can surround their drawings with the cut-out words. Have them write a short explanation describing their character and telling why they chose these words. Have students paste these explanations to the backs of their collages.

DISPLAY the collages in a classroom gallery. Students can try to guess who the characters are based on the words and illustrations. They can check their guesses with the answers on the back of each collage.