Create a Storyboard

Each person needs one blank paper or cardstock and a marker or crayons. Multiple colors slow down the drawing but are generally appreciated. Markers are good with card stock which is stiff enough to use on the lap. Crayons require a harder surface.

For a long time I used markers, but I now pass out boxes of 8 crayons and plastic clipboards. I print the story on one side of white cardstock and have participants create their storyboard on the other side. I give them strict instructions not to look at the printed story during the storyboard activity (though I ignore infractions). For this activity the goal is to rely on ears for hearing and remembering the story (vs. the eyes looking at printed symbols).

A chime or bell is a nice touch for indicating when it is time to open eyes. The  Woodstock Zenergy Chime is popular and inexpensive.

Here are the steps for creating a storyboard:

1. Look at the sound map for the story you are telling to see how many parts there are in the story (generally 2-4). Ask participants to draw lines to divide the paper into that many sections. Have them number the sections. Print the number small in a corner of each square.
2. Explain that you are going to tell the first part of the story. Instruct participants to close their eyes or focus on the candle and see what is happening in their mind’s eye as you tell the story.
3. Tell part one of the story. Speak slowly, and pause when done, so people have time to visualize.
4. Ring the chime and say, “Okay, now open your eyes, and in square number one draw a picture of what you saw as you listened to the first part of the story.” Assure everyone that these are not to be great works of art, but to make fast, simple drawings. Stick figures are fully acceptable. They can draw symbols, numbers, or print a few words. Give them a 30 second warning before ringing the chime as a signal to close eyes for the next part of the story.
5. Repeat this process for all parts of the story.

Partner Telling

When the storyboard is complete, instruct participants to pair up with a partner and them to tell the story to their partner using their storyboard pictures to help remember. They should take turns telling the story to each other.

They should refrain from looking at the printed out story until both partners have told it once. Then they can read the story and evaluate what they remembered, what they left out, and what they added in extra.