This is a fun creative writing lesson plan for ages 8-12 to practice epistolary writing using language games.

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Part 1: Language Games & Secret Languages!

Do you know the secret languages Piglatin and Ubbi Dubbi?

Piglatin

Rules:

1. Move the first letter to the end of the word. (Unless the first letter is a vowel.)
2. Add "ay" to the end of the word.

Can you read my message? = Ancay ouyay eadray ymay essagemay?

Ubbi Dubbi

Rules:

1. Add "ub" before each vowel sound in every syllable.

Can you read my message? = Cuban yubou rubead muby mubessubage?

Here's a video that teaches you how to speak Ubbi Dubbi.

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Part 2: Create Xakvokese

Now, create your own secret language, for an alien planet called Xakvok!

Create rules for translating English words into Xakvokese. Create 1 or 2 rules, but not more than 2.

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Example Rules could be:

• Move the first letter to the end of the word.
• Add "alf" after the last vowel sound.
• Change all the Cs to Ds.

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Once you've created your own rules, translate this sentence to Xakvokese:

I am a resident of the planet Xakvok. Can you read my message?

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Part 3: Design a Xakvokian

Skin - what colour and texture?

Eyes - how many? What size?

Ears - how many? what shape?

Teeth - what shape and colour?

Body parts - anything special about them?

Size - how tall is it?

Draw a picture of a Xakvokian.

Part 4: Write a letter from Xakvok

Write a letter from a Xakvokian alien to Earth. Here are some things to include:

• Describe their own appearance
• Describe the planet Xakvok - its colour, climate, and society
• Tell us what they know about Earth already
• Share their favourite Xakxokian food or hobby

Make sure to translate your letter into Xakvokese!

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Greetings, Earthling! I am a resident of the planet Xakvok. In case you don't know what Xakvokians look like, we have scaly purple skin and no hair. Xakvokians have one eye that is about the size of an Earth orange. We have four ears that look like cat ears, and large mouths with pointy pink teeth. Xakvokians also have long tails. An adult Xakvokian is about 1 meter tall.

My planet is very cold and dry. Our trees have orange leaves, and produce a salty fruit that tastes like chicken. Most Xakvokians live in families of 20 - 30, and do not like to travel to other planets.

I have seen photos of humans on Earth. You have a very beautiful planet. I know that humans produce a lot of emissions and garbage that is slowly destroying their planet, though. Why don't humans take better care of Earth?

I don't think I'll ever visit Earth, but I enjoy learning about other cultures. On Xakvok we don't have books or computers, but we do have television. Our televisions are on our ceilings. I learned about Earth by watching documentaries about it.

I hope you'll write back!

Your friend from Xakvok

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_{If you used this writing prompt, I would love to see what you create! Email me your creations or tag me @janiceliuart on instagram - it would absolutely make my day.}

_{This resource is free to use for students, school teachers, or self-employed tutors and teaching artists. For commercial use, especially if you are duplicating or re-distributing my images and lesson plan, please contact me to inquire about usage terms and fees.}

_{Fonts used in header images: Goldie Boxing by Balpirick Studio.}