In North Texas, we also have a cracking problem, mostly due to really wet springs and really dry summers....
For something that small, I try to use any sort of wire mesh laying around. Old chain link fence seems to do a great job. Embedded as your suggest. If all you have is chicken wire, it's OK, but personally, I'd like something a little heavier.... Maybe a couple rusty old BBQ grills, or even a bunch of coat hangers that the wife was throwing out, distributed evenly......