Talking · Listening
One story leads to another
Sit in a circle and build a story one sentence at a time, then notice how each story sparks the next.
- 20 minutes
- Small group, Whole class
- Ages 7–9, Ages 9–12
- Classroom or at home
- Printable: planning sheet
What to do
- Sit in a circle. Read the saying and its meaning: one story begets another.
- Start a story with one sentence, for example: "On the way to school, Leo found a key on the path."
- Pass the beanbag. Each person adds one sentence that follows on from the last. Anyone may pass.
- After everyone has had a turn, the last person gives the story an ending.
- Ask: did the story remind anyone of something that really happened? Let one or two people tell it.
- Notice how one story led to another, just as the saying says.
Questions to talk about
- Which sentence changed the story the most?
- Why does hearing a story make people want to tell their own?
- What makes someone a good listener in a story circle?
You will need
- A soft object to pass round, such as a beanbag
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult adds a sentence between each child to keep the story going.
More of a stretch: Each person must use one detail from the sentence before theirs.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The planning sheet
One story leads to another
Name
After the circle story, write down what happened and what it reminded you of.
The instructions card
How to run it · Talking · Listening
One story leads to another
Sit in a circle and build a story one sentence at a time, then notice how each story sparks the next.
20 minutesSmall group, Whole classAges 7–9, Ages 9–12
What to do
- Sit in a circle. Read the saying and its meaning: one story begets another.
- Start a story with one sentence, for example: "On the way to school, Leo found a key on the path."
- Pass the beanbag. Each person adds one sentence that follows on from the last. Anyone may pass.
- After everyone has had a turn, the last person gives the story an ending.
- Ask: did the story remind anyone of something that really happened? Let one or two people tell it.
- Notice how one story led to another, just as the saying says.
You will need
- A soft object to pass round, such as a beanbag
Talk about
- Which sentence changed the story the most?
- Why does hearing a story make people want to tell their own?
- What makes someone a good listener in a story circle?
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult adds a sentence between each child to keep the story going.
Stretch: Each person must use one detail from the sentence before theirs.
Goes with the printable planning sheet.