You may have seen the popular Story Cubes game on the shelf at the toy store, or buzzing along in your Pinterest feed, and I'm here to say that if you haven't played this literacy game, it's time to correct that oversight and that is why Story Cubes is our Game of the Month.
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We've had Rory's Story Cubes for several years, but it wasn't until recently that the boys really started playing it. I think how you approach this game depends a lot on the personality of the child. My older son, while he is a great reader did not express much interest in playing the game at first and I think that is because it requires him to use his imagination in a way that was hard for him. He is very systems-oriented. My youngest son, however, took to it right away when I got it out again last month.
Of course, my older son did not want to be outdone and the motivation of seeing his brother "do better" than he was a great motivation! (No need to expound on sibling rivalry here, you get the idea.)
How to play Story Cubes:
Story Cubes consists of 9 dice, each with 6 different instructions. The enclosed instructions offer many ways to use the cubes, from regular game play to overcoming writer's block. I won't expound on them all here, but the essence of the game is to roll dice and use the images to spark storytelling, which can be done individually or cooperatively.
Tips for playing with kids:
- Do not judge (neither the kids nor the grown-ups!)
- Do not require consistency of plot, character, etc. Just let things develop!
- I have found the best time to use the cubes is at mealtime. At the end of the day when the boys (and I) are cranky, rolling the dice can get them thinking about something other than wallowing in their grumpiness.
- The compactness makes it a great travel game!
Skills exercised when playing Story Cubes:
- Literacy and storytelling/writing
- Imagination and creativity
- Cooperation
- Listening
Story Cubes is a total brain workout (even for grownups)! Have you ever played it?
Nicole says
My mom (elementary teacher) recently introduced these to my 3.5 year old - she loves them! Rolling dice AND making up stories, instant hit! We have a similar game in card format with a fairy tale theme. It's also a big hit but the cards are pretty flimsy. I'd definitely buy more dice versions!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Glad to hear it is a hit! We also have a similar type card game, but our version has nicer cards. I sort of forgot about it until I read your comment. I need to get it out!
Christy says
Adding to my Christmas list!
Nic says
I have a set that live in my handbag... We often use them when we are out to dinner with our girls 5 & 7. Sometime they just make sentences up using the the words of the pictures they roll! But it's still a great activity to do as a family.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I like that idea of creating just a sentence. That would be good for my older son who feels stressed out at making up an entire story. Thanks for the idea!!
writersideup says
Trying to catch up a bit on the past couple of weeks (finally launched my blogs!) and love seeing this one! ANYthing that's about creating stories 😀 In fact, I saw an idea book at a store for teachers and fell in love with. You mix an match the setting, character and plot 😀