There are many ways to tell a story. In Grade 1, we are exploring this concept using the outdoor setting to spark curiosity and imagination. There are so many stories that can be authentically explored outdoors, making connections to the setting and character skill sets. Here are 10 ways that you can take storytelling outside.
1) Story Doors
Ignite children’s sense of wonder with a well placed story door that can be stumbled upon. Ask who, what, where, why, when, how questions to gain information about who lives behind the door. Be aware that this may end with you scribbling tiny notes in response to their questions for the foreseeable future.
2) Story Journeys
Why read a book when you can physically step into the story? Bring the story alive as you travel from place to place imitating the character as they move through the story. A good example of this is; “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, squelch through thick, oozy mud and stumble your way through the forest. Don’t have a forest? Get creative.
3) The Environment as a Backdrop
A simple way to take storytelling outdoors is to use the natural setting as a backdrop to your play. Most fairy tales are largely set in the great outdoors.
4) Create settings
Whether it’s real size or a small world setting, use your natural loose parts to create settings and story maps.
5) Story Stones
Your small world setting is not complete without tiny characters to retell the story with. Grab a handful of stones and use chalk, pens, or glued on photographs to create your own character stones.
6) Mud Kitchen
If you have a mud kitchen already, then get busy making the perfect porridge for Baby Bear, or stir up your own Stone Soup. If you don’t have a mud kitchen yet, build one.
7) Light your Fire
After creating wonderful delights in the mud kitchen, light a fire or your Kelly Kettle and make the real thing. Taste the porridge and see if it’s “Just right” or harvest some vegetables and make a stone soup.
8) Skill Development
Explore characters through their skill sets. Batoning is really easy skill where children can experience splitting wood like the wood cutter in Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood. Alternatively, create maps like Percy The Park Keeper. Look out for good stories to connect with outdoor skill development.
9) Problem Solving
Oh-oh! The Wolf is back in town and he’s hungry! Help the Three Little Pigs to build new wolf-proof homes to keep them safe. Get creative and put your outdoor skills to the test, helping out characters from different stories.
10) Make noise!
Make the most of being outside away from quiet classrooms and make noise! Howl like a wolf, stomp like a giant and growl like a bear. Explore stories through sound. Using buckets and natural materials as instruments create soundscapes to compliment the events of a story.
So there you have it. Take inspiration and feel free to use ideas that take your fancy. Whether it’s sunshine or snow, grab a book to match the season and step outside!
Here are some of our favourite stories:
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