Activity Description: Youths collectively create a story by adding one sentence each.
Items Needed:
- None (just the group and their creativity!)
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10–15 min):
- Begin the story with one line (1–2 min)
- Sit in a circle as a group. Make sure everyone can see and hear each other.
- Choose one Youth or leader to start the story.
- The leader begins the story by saying the first line of a fictional, improvised story.
- End the line with “then suddenly!”
- Continue the story around the circle (6–8 min)
- Each Youth adds one line to the story and ends with “then suddenly!”
- Repeat or wrap up (2–3 min)
- Repeat as many times as you like to build the story.
- (Optional) End with a final line that wraps up the story.
- (Optional) Read the full story aloud or save it for later.
Variations
- No Phrase Requirement: Remove “then suddenly” altogether and have the next Scout continue the story naturally from where the previous Scout left off.
- Sentence Limit: Limit each Scout to one or two sentences before passing the story to the next person. This keeps the storytelling concise and dynamic.
- Use a Timer: Set a timer (e.g., 10 or 15 seconds) for each Scout to contribute to the story. If they don’t finish within the time, the next Scout picks up where they left off.
- Change Directions: Occasionally switch the order in which Scouts contribute (clockwise or counterclockwise) to keep things unpredictable.
- Add Themes: Assign a theme for the story, such as “space adventure” or “lost in the jungle,” and encourage Scouts to stick to it.
- Include Props: Use a prop like a ball or stick that is passed to the next Scout when it’s their turn to contribute. This adds a physical element to the activity.
- Story Genre Challenge: Introduce a new genre after each full round, like “mystery,” “comedy,” or “fantasy,” and have Scouts continue the story in that style.
- Add Restrictions: Include fun restrictions like “no names,” “only action scenes,” or “keep the story rhyming” for added creativity.
- Silent Storytelling: Have Scouts act out their part of the story instead of speaking, letting others guess what’s happening.
- Group Finale: After the story has gone around the circle, everyone contributes one final sentence together to conclude the tale.
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References:
- “10 Awesome Ice Breaker Activities for Elementary School Girls – Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Blog.” Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Blog – Building Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character., 18 Nov. 2019, gswoblog.org/2019/11/18/10-awesome-ice-breaker-activities-for-elementary-school-girls/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
