I don’t know about you, but my kids love hoarding random small objects that sit in piles around the house and create general clutter. Today is the day to make these objects your friends with our Lucky Dip story bag activity!
Over the years I’ve developed a bunch of different ways to do Lucky Dip stories but the kids always love them! They’re simple, surprising and fun for all ages. This is a great writing activity to get kids to use their imaginations, come up with crazy ideas, and practice simple story structure. And let’s be honest - who doesn’t love a lucky dip? Story bags are a really easy option to start with.
1) Grab some small bags, such as sandwich bags, paper bags or small, soft canvas bags. Depending on how many kids you have and what ages they are, have enough bags for a few days of the activity. The whole excitement of a lucky dip is that there are a bunch of things to choose from so make sure that you have a good number of bags!
2) This is where the random small objects come in! For each bag you want to have:
1-2 things that could be a character - it could be any toy, a small doll, a picture, animal, alien, or even a photo of your child. Anything that could inspire a character. If you have 2 x characters they could be a hero and a villain.
1 x thing that could inspire an idea for a setting e.g. a photo from a family holiday, a picture from a magazine, a postcard, a book with a place as the cover picture, you can even just write it on a piece of paper.
2 x random objects - a lego block, monopoly money, keys, a clothes peg, a puzzle piece, a square of toilet paper (if you can spare it 😜) anything really! The more funny or random the better!
3) Place the item(s) from each category into each bag. Once the bags have their items, seal them up and place them all in a bigger bag, preferably a non-transparent one. Each child will take a turn at putting their hand in and choosing 1 x bag of story goodies.
4) From the items in their story bag they will come up with 2 x characters, a setting, and have 2 x objects to inspire crazy ideas, then let the story fun begin!
5) Your kids can either write their lucky dip stories, or, if patience and concentration levels are wearing thin, just get them to come up with something on the spot and tell you their story! You can even create the story together.
6) For younger kids (5-8) remind them to use basic story structure when they’re creating their story - an introduction, a complication, and a resolution. For older kids (8-12) they should use a more detailed story structure. You may want to try this one:
There is a main character.
They want something (usually they have a problem to solve).
They face obstacles to get what they want. (Something or someone gets in the way)
In the end, they may or may not get what they want but they have learned a valuable lesson.
7) Once you’re done, we’d love to see your lucky dip stories. Share them on Instagram and tag @storysquad_au. Otherwise send them to info@storysquad.com.au for a chance to be featured on our Instagram feed to help inspire others!