The power of a great story cannot be underestimated. The ability to tell a great story is a teachable skill. We created a collection of simple storytelling prompts for kids and story writing resources that will have you and your children create and share stories. We have shared all kinds of fun story-writing activities for kids - our summer story-writing prompts, fall story-writing prompts, and more. Why not create a super fun storytelling activity for kids to try?
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Children love fairy tale chapter books. There is something about fairy tales and fables that is always appealing to children. And, there are so many amazing fairy tale-type books to read.
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When my youngest daughter came across the book "Clemency Pogue, Fairy Killer" by JT Petty and illustrated by Will Davis, I wasn't sure what this book would be about. After reading this intriguing book, I discovered that storytelling plays an important role in the book. The main character is Clemency, and her family likes to sit around telling stories. Sharing stories is a wonderful way for the family to connect.
So, I was inspired by the story and decided to put together these simple printable storytelling prompts for kids.
When Clemency is attacked by an evil fairy, she remembers the tale of Peter Pan, as her father had told her one evening. The memory of the story is what saves Clem's life and takes her on an incredible journey...you have to read the book to find out what happens. At the end of the book, Clem returns home and tells her family all about her adventure.
Why explore storytelling with kids?
Storytelling is a wonderfully engaging activity for children. Whether it is retelling something that they experienced or imagining an entirely new story. Telling stories is how generations of people have carried their heritage over centuries.
Without storytelling, history would not be nearly as interesting or informative. However, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. I've put together some fun storytelling prompts for kids and turned them into an easily accessible game of sorts.
Printable Storytelling Prompts for Kids
First, print off our inspiring printable storytelling prompts for kids (newly updated version).
Next, it's time to cut out the prompts, fold them, and place them inside a storytelling jar or a bag.
Finally, find some time to sit down with your family or students, and have each person pull a storytelling prompt from the jar.
How to use storytelling prompts
What is a storytelling jar?
A storytelling jar is an engaging way to encourage kids to tell stories. It is as simple as placing the storytelling prompts inside a jar. You can add other small items to the jar. Add small animals, small people, and little items like buttons or pins. Anything you add to the jar can spark a story.
Once the jar is filled, ask the students or kids to pull a paper slip and 1 or 2 items from the jar. The items must be used in the story they create. And, they will use the storytelling prompt to inspire the story they create. It is amazing how these little items can really ignite their imaginations.
Storytelling A Road Trip Activity
Another great time to use our story prompts is on a road trip, in the car. Pass the long hours in the car by telling silly stories. They are portable and don't even need paper.
Storytelling Prompts in the Classroom
Obviously, these prompts can be used in a storytelling jar. However, these storytelling prompts are a fantastic classroom resource for teachers. Aside from sparking a storytelling session with the kids in your class, they can also be used in storywriting. Use the same prompts to start the story writing process with kids of all ages.
Questions to ask when using storytelling prompts
When we gave this activity a try, I discovered that it helped to have a few key questions on hand in case the storyteller became stuck.
what did you see?
what did you hear?
what did you smell?
who else is there?
what does the room/space look like?
how do you feel?
where did you go?
Since there is no writing involved in storytelling, this activity can be enjoyed by children of all ages. My girls loved taking turns telling stories, and when they got stuck, they helped each other out. Building and sharing stories as a family is great fun.
Extend the learning...
If your children are older, feel free to use these prompts as creative writing prompts. Finding ways to start kids thinking about creative writing is fantastic.
Who knows where the stories might lead you...they might save you if you are attacked by an evil fairy one day?!
More story writing ideas for kids
Have fun writing a fairy tale with our fairy tale story writing prompts
Check out our creative writing kit for kids
Write your summer stories on our summer story writing pages!
Check out all the other fun projects that use a simple mason jar:
Craft a Valentine's Give a Kiss, Get a Kiss jar
Fight Boredom with an "I'm Not Bored" Jar
Fill a Jar with Outdoor Play Ideas
Make a Holiday Snow Globe
Make sure you are following along...
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Angela says
Nice Idea indeed. I remember my mother playing this with us when we were kids. Now I use storytelling to help my kids get over difficult situations and distract their attention: http://www.outnumbered.be/parenting/patience-with-children-storytelling/
Jen says
Thanks Angela. I love the idea of using storytelling to help deal difficult situations. Thanks for stopping by.
Lauren says
Oh my goodness, this is perfect! Every night my daughter & I tag team with a story and these would be perfect prompts for us! PINNING! Thank you for sharing at our Pinning for Play link party!
Jen says
So glad you like them...sounds like you two are having a lot of fun with storytelling already. Thanks for stopping by.