Location: Park, Yard, Garden, Forest, Neighborhood, Indoors
Time: 5-25 min
Feature: No materials, No prep, Rainy day

Activity

Sit and talk about nature one-on-one or in small groups. To get children started, ask a question like, “What’s your favorite animal?” and write down their responses. Encourage them to think about what they like about that animal, where they would go if they were that animal, and make notes as they share. Read their stories back to them, without editing them. Can they draw a picture to go with their story? Can you include children’s stories throughout the week during group time? 

Materials

For this activity, children provide the stories—all you need is a way to record them (pencil and paper or a phone/tablet/computer).

Skill Building

Child-generated stories build language, confidence, and creativity while celebrating their unique thoughts and voices.