Story Stick Twists

Why

Get together with friends or on family night to tell tall tales. Use Crayola Twistables® and a paint stirrer to spin your yarns.

Steps

1. Have you ever created a group story in a circle? One person starts and each person adds something as you go around the circle. Here’s a slightly different twist on storytelling. Gather several friends or family members who have great imaginations and explain what to do.

2. Draw the story. The first person draws a picture of a story idea with Crayola Twistables on a paint stirrer. Don’t say any words! Pass the stirrer to the next person, who draws something that picks up the theme from the previous drawing. Continue passing until there is space for one drawing left (use both sides). In the last space, draw the story’s conclusion.

3. Tell what happened. You can tell your yarn in different ways. You could pass the stick around so each person explains what her or his picture meant. Or each person could "read" the story stick and tell a completely different tale.

4. Decorate the story stick. If you wish, attach decorations such as feathers or leaves with Crayola School Glue. Tie a yarn bow. Air-dry the glue. This could be the beginning of a library of story sticks!

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Twistables®
  • No-Run School Glue
household supplies
  • yarn (optional)
  • decorative craft items (optional)
  • wooden paint stirrers

Where & When

"We love to tell stories with different voices and lots of gestures. It was so hard to be silent!"
Eugenie I., mother of 7-, 8-, and 10-year-olds.

"Family groups made these at a back-to-school night. They partnered with another family to tell their stories."
Porter A., PTO volunteer.


Interesting Info

There are storytelling courses at colleges and universities in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Europe, India, Norway, and in many states in the United States. Do you think imagination is stronger than knowledge?