Overview
Story Circle Extensions is a dynamic, interactive activity that builds upon the adventures of Clumsy & Friends characters. After reading one of the stories together, students take turns adding their own creative sentences to extend the narrative, fostering imagination, listening skills, and collaborative storytelling abilities.
Group Activity
15-20 minutes
Ages 5-10
Materials Needed
A Clumsy & Friends storybook
Story prompt cards (optional)
A "talking object" (stuffed toy, special stick, etc.)
Timer (optional)
Recording device (optional)
Activity Instructions
Step 1: Read the Story
Begin by reading a Clumsy & Friends story to the class. Engage students by asking questions about the characters, setting, and plot as you read.
Step 2: Discuss the Story
After reading, briefly discuss what happened in the story, focusing on key events, character choices, and the conclusion. Ask students:
- What was your favorite part of the story?
- What do you think might happen next to the characters?
- How do you think the characters felt at the end of the story?
Step 3: Introduce the Story Circle
Explain to students that they will be creating their own extension to the story by adding one sentence at a time. The story will continue from where the book ended, or you can choose a different starting point.
Step 4: Establish the Rules
- Only the person holding the "talking object" may speak
- Each student adds ONE sentence to the story
- The sentence must connect logically to the previous sentence
- Be respectful of others' ideas (no negative comments)
- Keep sentences appropriate for school
Step 5: Begin the Story Circle
Start the activity by providing the first sentence yourself. For example:
- If using "The Great Veggie Cup Victory": "After winning the Veggie Cup, Clumsy decided to plan another exciting adventure."
- If using "Minnie Tickledust": "After making everyone laugh at the festival, Minnie Tickledust discovered a magical door behind the stage."
- If using "Yawnzarella": "After helping all the clocks stop sneezing, Yawnzarella noticed something strange happening in the town square."
Step 6: Pass the Talking Object
Pass the talking object to the first student, who will add the next sentence to the story. Continue around the circle, with each student adding one sentence at a time.
Step 7: Guide and Support
As the activity progresses, provide gentle guidance if needed:
- Help students who are struggling by asking prompting questions
- Remind students to listen carefully to maintain story coherence
- Encourage creativity while keeping the story on track
Step 8: Conclude the Story
Decide in advance how you'll end the story:
- Complete one full circle and then provide a concluding sentence
- Continue for a set time period (e.g., 10 minutes)
- Let the story naturally conclude when it reaches a satisfying ending
Step 9: Reflect and Discuss
After completing the story, discuss the experience:
- What did you enjoy about our collaborative story?
- What was challenging about adding to someone else's ideas?
- How did our story compare to the original Clumsy & Friends story?
- What was your favorite part of our new story?
Teacher Tip: Consider recording the story (audio or written) so you can share it later or use it as inspiration for writing or art activities.