Stories are a fun way to think creatively and experience a new world! In this activity, you can make your own set of Story Stones to help fuel your creative process. Once made, the images or words on each stone can be used to from a story of your own, rearranging and highlighting different themes. Work with a sibling, parent, or guardian, or even virtually with a friend, to see how a story using the same stones can be different from person to person!

Supplies Needed

• Acrylic paint, paint pens, or permanent markers
• Paint brush and water (if using paint)
• Smooth stones or pieces of paper
• A sense of imagination!
• Optional: stencils or pencil

Instructions

First start out by gathering your supplies! Collect rocks from your backyard or local public park. Please remember to keep Leave No Trace principles in mind and be thoughtful when collecting stones. You can always use pieces of paper cut into circles if you aren’t able to collect any!

Once you have your stones, wash them with some soap and water and then let them dry off. You will want to make sure they are clean of dirt!

While your stones are drying, take some time to plan what you want to paint, write or draw on your stones. Some ideas include weather, animals, facial expressions, names of places you have been to or want to visit, activities you love to do, or types of food. Once your stones are dry and you have your ideas formed, you paint your images or words onto the stones.

When finished you will have images and words that you can mix and match to create a story!