This is a storytelling idea that is easy, portable and flexible for many stories.

You will need: 4 Card strips (judge size depending on how close the children are going to be and how big the group is.  You will probably need bigger strips for a bigger group, but expriment with what works best for you!), paper fasteners (split pins), something to make a hole with.

Make a hole in the end of each piece of card and join the pieces with split pins so that it looks as shown.  You now have your storytelling equipment!

This is how you might use the strips to tell the story of the rich and foolish builders.

The wise builder went out one day to build his house and decided that he wanted it to be very safe.  He found some strong rock to build on

He dug some foundations in the rock and finally, after a lot of work, finished his house.  He was very pleased and went inside to have some rest.

The foolish builder went out to build his house and decided that he just wanted to get things done quickly.  He didn’t mind where he built it, so he found some sand and built his house there.

He was very pleased and went inside to get some rest.

That night there was a huge storm.  The waves crashed

and the lightning flashed.

The rain came down and very soon, the house on the sand had been flattened!

The house built on rock stood firm because it had strong foundations.

Who do you think was most pleased?

The man who built on the rock is like someone who listens to God and does what He says.  Listening to God helps!

Have a go at using the cards to tell other stories and do let us know how you get on!