Activity Research 2: Story Cards

Activity: The name of the activity is “Story Cards”.

Target participant group: This activity can be used with any population that can communicate verbally, with sign language or in the written form.

Therapeutic potential of this activity: This activity can improve expressive language skills and exercises the short term memory. It is also a great social activity that can be full of laughter.

What other groups may benefit from this activity? This activity could also benefit children and adults with cognitive disabilities.

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity? This activity might not be appropriate for people with dementia because it may become too frustrating trying to remember what the other group members have said.

Activity description:

1. You will need to purchase, print or draw pictures on 20 or more cards (about the size of an index card or bigger if you are working with people who have slight visual impairments)
2. Form a group of 3-5 participants and have them gather in a circle.
3. Give each participant at least 3 cards.
4. Have a volunteer or choose someone to start the story.
5. That participant will then choose one of their cards and use the picture on it to inspire them to give a few sentences to open the story.
6. That participant will then set there card on the floor or a table in the middle of the circle so everyone can see it.
7. The next participant will restate the first part of the story, and then use their chosen card to creatively add another few sentences to the story.
8. The process will repeat with each participant trying to retell the story from the beginning each time they add to the story until they run out of time or cards.

Resources needed: You will need 20 or more cards with fun pictures and a space large enough for your group to sit in a circle.

 Best leadership style for this activity: Democratic (participatory) leadership is best for this activity.

Where did you find this activity? I discovered this activity during my summer job at Central Wisconsin Center but it is very common and you can purchase games at most toy stores.

Where can others find more information on this activity?