Activity
The Art of Story Box Making
A tool for creating interactive literary experiences for children
By: Damary Lizardo, NEC Program Associate
Here at NEC we recently launched our Family Storytime Series, a new program where we will be bringing virtual activities to families that enrich a child’s learning experience at home. Our Educational Consultants and Family Specialists will lead these trainings on a variety of subjects. Our first session was a live interactive reading of a story book coupled with a craft activity. A central piece to this first session was the creation and use of a story box.
What is a story box?
A story box is a collection of items that correspond to elements of a story. Components of a story box can include everyday items that when coupled with a story act as an interactive tool for youngsters to better understand what is being read. For this session, we used egg shakers, brushes, a doll, and a homemade popsicle stick farm. Anything can be used that engages multiple sensory inputs and allows a child to experience a story in a hands-on way.
How to choose a book?
There are many commercially available books that make great options for children with deafblindness. Books with highly contrasted images are easier for those with visual impairments. Simple illustrated pages are also easier to process than busier ones. A child’s attention span should be taken into consideration when evaluating the length of a book. Books about routines or upcoming transitions may be especially meaningful for families. Families can even create their own books where the child is the main character!
Tips for a Successful Story Time
- Everyday objects already used at home can be used for a story box – there is no need to go out and purchase a new collection!
- Familiar items may also be particularly useful for a child if the story centers around real-life events, such as a story about routines.
- Keeping the items together is important to promote familiarity with the story. A simple bag or box will suffice. Small plastic containers that can be stacked are also a good option for families that want to build a library of story boxes. Tactile elements can be added to the outside of the box to help children identify them later.
- Tying in a craft activity is a good way to make a story more interactive.
- Allow the child to explore the items! And when the activity is over, have them help put the items away in the box or container. This provides a clear closure of the activity over time.
Happy story-box-making! Watch our recorded session led by Lead Education Consultant Brenda Allair below to learn more:
