Share a Winter Tale

[20 Minutes]

This add-on story activity invites every family member to participate!

You'll need:

• assorted winter items such as mittens, a boot, a cap, a scarf, etc. • 1 large paper grocery bag • index cards labeled with names of family members, friends, and pets

What to do:

1. Place winter items into the grocery bag. Place index cards face down on table.
2. Begin by choosing one card from the pile and one item from the bag to serve as a story prop. Use your card to begin telling an original tale.
3. After a moment or two, stop your story line with the words "...and then..."
4. Invite your child to pick up the story where you left off, using her card and prop as story springboards.
5. Continue the story in this same way, with family members each selecting a new card and item for each turn.
6. Invite your child to recall the whole story and write or dictate it to you. Make the story into a book. Let your child add illustrations.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What has already happened? (Review the story from time to time as it is being told.)
• What will happen next?
• Did you like the ending on the story? How could it have ended differently?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop reading and writing skills.