Hey everyone! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get creative with your family traditions. One way to make this holiday even more special is by sharing stories. And guess what? You don’t need to be a writer to join in! Here are some fun ways to turn storytelling into a memorable part of your Thanksgiving.
The Story Jar
It’s super simple to make, and you don’t need fancy supplies. Just grab a jar and fill it with slips of paper, each with a prompt like “Tell a story about a time you felt brave” or “Share a funny memory from school.” Pass the jar around after dinner while everyone’s letting their food settle before dessert. Encourage people to write their prompts on blank slips and add them to the jar. Then, take turns reading a prompt and answering it.
Story Continuation Game
Try the story continuation game. Here’s how it works: one person starts a story with just a sentence or two, then the next person adds to it, and so on around the table. The story can go in any direction, from funny to spooky to downright silly. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind story that everyone contributed to and enjoyed creating together.
Story Dice Game (Story Cubes)
Another fun option is to play the story dice game. You can use Story Cubes or make your own by drawing simple pictures or words on the sides of regular dice. Roll the dice, and each person takes turns creating a part of the story based on what comes up. Our mom used to keep these in her purse, and whenever we would be waiting for our food at a restaurant, our family would play a few rounds of Story Cubes and enjoy making up our own stories.
Why Oral Storytelling Matters
Oral storytelling is more than just fun; it’s an important skill. Listening to and processing someone else's words is huge in school and life. It helps you understand and learn from stories without reading or writing them. So, while you’re telling that funny story or listening to Grandpa’s wild tales, you’re actually building your listening and comprehension skills.
This Thanksgiving, why not add a new tradition? Try the story jar, the story continuation game, or the story dice game. These activities are perfect for that post-dinner time when everyone’s making room for dessert. They’re a great way to connect, learn, and, most importantly, have a blast.
What is a prompt you'd put in your story jar? Let me know if you try any of these! As always, remember to keep on shivering!
Comments