Tell a Story in a Jar!

What You Need:

• Clear glass jar (quart size or larger)
• 5 pieces of 8.5” X 11” paper
• Scissors
• Marker

What You Do:

1. Start with a clear glass jar. A quart size mason jar works well.
2. Divide the sheets of paper into four strips of approximately 2” X 11” each.
3. Cut along the divisions to separate the strips. Twenty strips will give you a great start to your jar.
4. On each strip, use a marker to write a sentence. The sentences should be creative enough to grab your second grader’s attention and get his imagination working at top speed.
5. Here are a few sample sentences to get you started:

1. Fold the strips and place them into the jar.
2. Say, “We’re going to tell a story.” Pull one strip out of the jar and read the sentence to your child. Ask, “What happens next?”
3. Take turns adding to the story. Encourage your second grader with appropriate prompting questions.
4. If you get stuck, you may pull one more sentence to get you going again.

Take the activity to another level by writing down your child’s story. Be sure to leave room for illustrations!