On one of my recent holiday shopping sprees, I noticed a great child’s toy. It was simple in nature. In fact, it was something you and I could create on our own — a tiny pouch filled with 10 to 15 tiny trinkets. The instructions were for the child to select five trinkets out of the pouch and create a story around these items. Now, how ingenious is that! Not to mention a great way to incorporate your “I SPY” wreath items after the holidays.

So, if you have created an “I SPY” holiday wreath, either as a game or for your holiday card this year, consider having your children use the items from the wreath to create their own year-in-review story.

The Storytelling Game

• Place five items on a table.
• Instruct your child to create a story using the five items.
• Please note: Younger children take their items literally. For example, a LEGO piece is just a LEGO piece to a little one, but it can be incorporated in a story as, “Once upon a time there was a pig named LEGO.” To get their creative juices flowing, you may want to create a story first, so they get an idea of what they are supposed to do.  Just make sure not to take over.

Once Upon a Time…
I gave my daughter a tap shoe, nail polish bottle, LEGO piece, dog figurine and a pig key chain to use as the props in her story. I barely got through the instructions and my daughter took off in her story. “Once upon a time there was a dancing dog . . .” She got so elaborate in her story that she stood up to act out some parts. She even curtsied at the end. She was very proud of her creation.

You can also play this game with several kids by giving each of them a trinket to incorporate in their story. Taking turns, the children will blend their tales together to create a unique and entertaining story.

Not Just for Bedtime!
You don’t have to save this game for bedtime, either. Next time you are waiting at the doctor’s office, instead of the usual round of “I SPY,” rifle through your purse for items to use for a story. I’m glad I stumbled across this idea. To me, storytelling is priceless!