Lesson summary

In this activity, Story Stones will be used to inspire storytelling by children, or to enhance your own storytelling. Story Stones can be used to spark an idea, engage children in a story you are reading together, encourage creative collaboration, support comprehension, and as a non-threatening communication tool for non-verbal or non-English speaking children.

Activity Intention:

This activity has been designed to develop the creative potential of young children through experiential learning in the arts.

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson details

EYLF Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcome 1:

Children have a strong sense of identity
1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported
1.2 Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency
1.3 Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities
1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect

Learning Outcome 2:

Children are connected with and contribute to their world
2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation

Learning Outcome 3:

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
3.1 Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing
3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing

Learning Outcome 4:

Children are confident and involved learners
4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
4.3 Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another

Learning Outcome 5:

Children are effective communicators
5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
5.2 Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts

Smooth stones (the number depends on how many you want to make, you are limited only by your imagination). You could also use cards or other materials, we just love using natural materials though! They are very tactile and provide an opportunity to provide a sensory experience.
Permanent markers, acrylic paint, stickers, leaves, sand, twigs, seeds, old books, old magazines, old catalogues, scissors, glue and paintbrushes.
The Story Stone Adventure Cards may also provide valuable inspiration to you and the children.

Supporting resources:

Cool Australia – How can Educators and Families Nurture Creativity in Young Children?

Other resources:

This lesson has been developed in partnership with the Graeme Wood Foundation. It is designed to develop the creative potential of young children through experiential learning in the arts.

Nurturing Creativity

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