StoryBits Kids

Some time ago I wrote about StoryBits, a simple yet creative tool to implement storytelling into your class. I found it a pretty nice “last resort” tool as you can use it when your class gets awkwardly silent – just pick a card and think about something you can use it for.

This autumn brought a much-welcome variation of the original game, StoryBits Kids. Just like in their “older” version, eight relatable characters wait for your students to give them names, create background stories and take them on the adventure. 54 scene-cards you may use to prompt a story – any story, as the scene-cards are just the inspiration, the story is all yours.

And just like with its “older” version, you will find a manual with some creative examples of how to use the cards for teaching storytelling, describing, comparing and labelling. You will also find some sample (and simple) activities that will rock your classroom.

If not enough, go to mystorybits.com where you will find even more tips and ideas.

Naturally, I had to come up with more activities… again, because the cards simply make you more creative.

It was the weirdest day of my life!

Look at the pictures on StoryBits. They look quite ordinary, right? But hey, most supernatural stories start like a regular day. “It was just a typical day, I was playing with a cat and my brother was trying to learn how to ride a bike… when suddenly aliens attacked / I got a call from the FBI / I saw a ghost”. The idea is to describe the first picture as a beginning of a regular day just changing dramatically when something unusual happens.

How I met my best friend

Kids like to pretend they’re someone else (not only kids, but somehow it’s more acceptable for them), so ask them to imagine they’re 90 years old and having a chat with their great-grandchild who asked them about their best friend. They need to pick any card and try and make a simple story based on it. It should include three parts:

1. The day we met
2. When we grew up
3. Now

Naturally, make your students tell their stories in an old and squeaky voice, they’ll love it. If you can, you may ask the student to sit on a chair in the middle of the class, wrapped up in a blanket, and other kids would sit around pretending to be grandchildren and asking additional questions – they will have a lot of fun.

I spy with my little eye…

The things that start with a letter M. Mugs? Meeting? Monsters? My Little Pony? Ask your students to write down as many things starting with a given letter as they can see in a card. Make sure to tell them adjectives and descriptions count, they will make their little grey cells work pretty hard to review all the words they remember.

Itty-bitty spider

This activity is great for pairwork, or groupwork. Simply, take any card and one person has to say “and suddenly a giant spider appears…” – and determine the place (somebody’s forehead, the middle of the table etc.). The rest of the group is supposed to either describe or – even better – act out the reactions of the characters on the picture.

These are some of the first ideas that sprung to my mind – however, I’m sure StoryBits Kids will prove to be a much more versatile tool. Just like with its “older” version, when you get your copy (and you may buy them here), be sure to make your students pay attention to all the details, they’ll have more fun.

I think StoryBits Kids is a great present idea for kids… Or teachers (if you still haven’t chosen a gift as a secret Santa, you may find this a nice and useful tool for every teacher). To prove the point, now you can order your StoryBits (not only Kids!) with a 10% discount using the code “evilmonika”. The discount ends 30/01/2020, so hurry up – visit teacherscorner.pl and get your favourite set.

Enjoy!

I received this product for free, courtesy of IceBreaker.