What You Need

• Large index cards
• Pictures from magazines
• Greeting cards
• Paper and pencil

How to Do this Activity

Start by working with your child to cut pictures of people, animals, places, clothes, accessories, and more out of magazines, off of greeting cards, and out of any duplicate photos you have lying around the house. Try to use a variety of images — photos of unusual situations, unfamiliar places, and people making funny faces can make for great stories. Have your child glue each picture onto an index card. Once they’re dry, explain to her that you’re going to use the cards to make up a story. Pick the first card out together and give her time to think about what might come next. Ask questions like:

“What do you think happened here?”

“How do you think this person (or animal) feels?”

“What is he doing?”

“What will she do next?”

Jot down what she says so you both remember the story and can tell it again in the future.

What Your Child Learns

This activity builds creativity, imagination, language, and problem solving. As your child becomes an active participant in the process of creating a story, she must ask questions, make decisions, and think critically about what might come next. She learns the basic elements of story — compelling characters, engaging plots, and story arc. Your child will also enjoy positive, warm relationships with you.