Family Story Creation

Overview

The Family Story Creation activity brings your family together to create unique adventures featuring your favorite Clumsy & Friends characters. This collaborative storytelling experience develops creativity, language skills, and family bonds while extending the joy of the stories you love.

Benefits of Family Storytelling

• Language development: Expands vocabulary and improves expressive language skills
• Creative thinking: Encourages imagination and problem-solving
• Family bonding: Creates shared experiences and family traditions
• Literacy skills: Develops understanding of story structure and narrative elements
• Emotional intelligence: Helps children express and understand feelings through characters
• Listening skills: Improves focus and attentiveness as family members build on each other's ideas

Getting Started: Three Ways to Create

Option 1: Round-Robin Storytelling

Take turns adding to the story, with each family member contributing a sentence, paragraph, or section.

1. Gather in a comfortable space free from distractions
2. Choose a character, setting, and simple problem to start your story
3. Have one person begin the story with 1-3 sentences
4. Move clockwise around the circle, with each person adding to the story
5. Continue until you reach a natural conclusion
6. Optional: Record your story or write it down to revisit later

Option 2: Story Cubes or Cards

Use the printable story element cards included at the end of this guide to inspire your collaborative story.

1. Print and cut out the character, setting, and plot element cards
2. Draw one card from each category (or let each family member choose one)
3. Use these elements to create your story together
4. For added fun, draw a new card whenever the story needs a fresh direction

Option 3: Story Journal

Create an ongoing Clumsy & Friends adventure that grows over time.

1. Dedicate a special notebook as your family's "Clumsy & Friends Story Journal"
2. Set a regular time each week to add to your ongoing story
3. Have a different family member write or dictate each entry
4. Include illustrations or photos to bring your story to life
5. Review previous entries before adding new ones

Character Refresher

Here's a quick reminder of the main Clumsy & Friends characters and their key traits to inspire your stories:

Story Starters

Use these story starters if you need inspiration to begin your family's adventure:

Story Map Template

Use this simple story structure to help guide your collaborative storytelling:

Tips for Successful Family Storytelling

For Parents

• No wrong answers: Embrace all ideas, no matter how silly or unexpected
• Gentle guidance: Help keep the story moving but avoid controlling the direction
• Model creativity: Don't be afraid to be dramatic, use funny voices, or suggest wild plot twists
• Patience: Give children time to think and formulate their ideas
• Capture the magic: Consider recording audio or video of your storytelling sessions

For Children

• Listen carefully: Pay attention to what others add to the story
• Add details: Think about what the characters see, hear, feel, or smell
• Ask questions: If you're not sure what to add, ask "What if..." questions
• Use your imagination: There are no limits in your story world!

Extending the Activity

• Illustrate your story: Draw pictures to go with different parts of your tale
• Create a book: Write down your story and bind it into a homemade book
• Act it out: Perform your story as a mini-play with simple props
• Audio recording: Create a podcast-style recording of your story to share with friends and family
• Story swap: Connect with other families and exchange your Clumsy & Friends stories
• Story series: Create sequels or a series of adventures with the same characters