How to write a story with your kids

This activity is fun for the whole family! It's great for rainy days or anytime when you need to escape into the magical world of make believe!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• plain white paper
• pen or pencil
• crayons or colored pencils
• stapler
• card stock paper
• computer & printer (optional)

1. Start by sitting down with your children to write the story. Easy ways to begin are: Once upon a time... -or- Long ago, in a land far away...
   take turns filling in different parts of the story. It can be silly, scary, or full of adventure; it's all up to you!
2. Divide the story into sections, deciding how much will go on each page. If you are using a computer and printer, type the words either at the top or bottom of each page, leaving room for artwork. Without using a computer and printer, simply print the sections out clearly, again, either at the top or bottom of the page.
3. Once you have the words it's time for the pictures. Give your child an idea of what the picture could look like, so that it matches the section of the story it goes with.
   If you have smaller children you may want to help them draw the image, allowing them to color it in. For the older children, give them the freedom to both draw and color the pictures. It doesn't have to be perfect as long as everyone is having fun!
4. As they are working on drawing and coloring the pictures take a piece of card stock paper to make the cover of the book. If you are using a computer and printer: center the title using a large font; go ahead and add a clip art picture if you have one that matches the story.
   If you are doing it by hand, try to get it as centered as possible (again, it doesn't have to be perfect) draw a picture on the cover and color it in. *Be sure to write or type who it's by at the bottom so your child/ren can show it off later with pride.
5. Organize the pages in the correct order. Place the Cover on top and a blank card stock sheet in the back. Staple it together using three staples at the top, middle, and bottom of the left side.
6. Gather around the finished book and read it together!

Tips & Warnings

• Make copies of the book to give to relatives as gifts
• Make copies of the book if you have more than one child (so they don't fight over who gets to hold it)
• See how many different stories your family can come up with!