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IMAGINE · STAY PLAYFUL PROJECT

Build a Story Together

A curious character. An unexpected place. A story only you could tell.

  • Ages 4+ with a grown-up
  • 10–15 minutes
  • Free activity
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A LITTLE PREPARATION

Before you begin

Find a comfortable place. You can speak, point, draw, or act out your ideas. There are no wrong stories.

What you’ll need

  • Just your imagination. Paper and crayons are optional.

A chance to practice

Practice describing, listening, and putting ideas in a sequence.

GO AT YOUR OWN PACE

Let’s give it a try.

  1. Choose your character

    Imagine a curious rabbit, a thoughtful turtle, or a fox with a very big idea. Choose one, give them a name, and decide what they love.

    Who will your story be about?

  2. Choose a place

    Put your character somewhere interesting: a garden, a moonlit forest, or a tiny house in a tree. Describe one thing they can see or hear.

    What makes this place special?

  3. Add a surprise

    Something unexpected happens. A mysterious door appears, a hat floats past, or a picnic starts to sing. Pick a surprise or invent your own.

    What does your character notice?

  4. Take a turn

    Say one sentence about what happens next. Let the next person add a sentence. Listen to their idea before adding yours. Playing alone? Try another character’s voice.

    Begin with: “And then…”

  5. Find an ending

    Help your character respond to the surprise. They might ask a friend, try something new, or discover a different way. Decide how your adventure ends.

    How does your character feel now?

  6. Keep the story going

    Give your story a title. Tell it again, draw your favorite moment, or act it out together. Next time, change the setting and see what happens.

    Close the screen. Your next adventure is yours.

Make it your own.

Make it simpler

Offer two choices at each step and let your child point. A three-sentence story is a complete adventure.

Try a new challenge

Tell the story from another character’s point of view. What would they notice?

Play your way

Draw or use gestures instead of speaking. On your own, take turns between two imaginary characters.

Stay Playful Project · stayplayfulproject.org/play-and-learn/build-a-story-together/