Perfect for anyone who works with people who have a story to tell. Whatever the application, Storycatching provides opportunities to reflect upon our thoughts, feelings, memories and attitudes to life.
Here are 80 full-colour storytelling prompts for people of all ages. From classrooms to discussion groups; a family game to a therapeutic tool. Published by Innovative Resources 2008, 80 full-colour, laminated cards 80mm x 110mm, 2-part cardboard box, 24-page booklet
How can I use Storycatching?
Like any set of cards that are used for conversation building or story-prompting, the ways in which you use Storycatching will be driven largely by your purpose, passion, curiosity and creativity. Whether Storycatching is used in one-on-one situations or in groups, there are two main methods you can adopt; spread and scan or random choice.
Spread and scan means that participants are invited to choose a card, while random choice, as the name suggests, leaves more to chance. There are many fun and creative ways to employ both methods. Cards could be spread on the floor, on table tops, or even stuck to walls. A certain group of cards might be selected by a facilitator, or perhaps spread out in a particular pattern for participants to interact with.
The serendipitous connections made from random choice can be both surprising and enlightening. Cards could be shuffled and dealt, placed in a lucky dip, attached to the underside of participant’s seats, or selected on a person’s behalf by another participant. You could even create a treasure hunt using the cards. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
One of the best ways to get people talking and responding in creative ways to the Storycatching cards is to ask a question. It could be as simple as: Does this card remind you of a story about yourself? or How does this card make you feel? The questions you ask will depend on whether you’re using Storycatching in a therapeutic situation, as conversational tool, a creative writing or visual art prompt, or even as a party game with your family. Some questions are more appropriate for one-on-one conversations, while others lend themselves easily to group discussion.
There is no limit to the number or type of questions you can ask.
For storytelling
What is the story behind the card? Who are the main characters in the story? Is it funny, sad, tragic? What is the main theme of the story? Can you choose four or more cards and make up a story using all of them? Can you begin to tell a story using the word or phrase on a card? Can you find a card that prompts a story about your greatest nightmare?
Creative writing and journalling ideas
Choose a character from a card. Maybe it’s the elephant about to leap – the bad hair girl – or the embarrassed manikin. Create a dialogue between two or more characters. Or write a monologue from one character. Imagine what it’s like to be in their skin.
Choose a card that prompts a vivid childhood memory. Write the words I remember at the top of the page. Now write for ten minutes without taking your pen from the page. Forget spelling and punctuation…or even making sense. Just write. If you get stuck, write I remember and start again.
Choose a card at random as a daily journalling prompt. Once you’ve worked your way through the deck, start again. How different are your journal entries the second time around?
Choose a card and use its word or phrase as the first line of a poem. Does the image on the card prompt words for the remainder of your poem? OR try a three-line poem. The first line should consist of an object. The second line, a description, simile or metaphor. The third line, an action. Choose a card to find your object. Here’s an example: A coffee mug Cracked and stained like the best relationships I cup it in my hands
Choose cards and write short pieces specifically about memories. Create a special journal called My Book of Memories . Add your own collage, illustrations, photos or scribbles.
Suffering writers block? Don’t know where a story’s headed? Choose a card and ask yourself ‘what if?’. Is there a new situation, plot direction or other spark that can move your story forward?
Choose a card and turn the situation on its head. For example, if you choose the boredom card, write a story about a character who is fascinated by watching grass grow. Or if you choose the world’s worst job card, create a character who sees cleaning toilets as high art.
Länk för inspiration!
