Story boxes, prop boxes, book boxes- no matter what you call them, a great teacher has them in their literacy center or tool kit.  In the past several years, I have referred to them as story boxes.  A story box is a container filled with real items that coordinate with the story you are reading.  These are essential materials for students; especially students with special needs.  Story boxes are quick and easy to make.  Typically, you can find the objects you need around your house.  As you choose books to read in class, create a story box for each book.  Soon, your library will include a lot of story boxes and you won’t have to create them each week.

Why do you NEED a story box?

          Real items discussed or portrayed in a book help support a student’s concept development. Students can explore the properties of items to learn how it works, feels, sounds, etc. They can practice moving and manipulating the items. Some skills that can be worked on by using real items during literacy:

• Sequencing: First, Next then- the items can be lined up in order of events.  Students can give you each item in the correct order, match them to your line up, or pair the item with a line from the story.

How to make a story box:

1. Look thru the book and write down the main items listed in the story. For example; if you are going to read “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie” you will need a stuffed mouse, cookie, cup, straw, napkin, mirror, scissors, broom(I use the small broom with dustpan), mop, blanket, pillow, book, paper, crayons, pen and tape.  Look for salient objects in the story or picture that are meaningful to the plot.

Purchase bins to store the items.  I like these canvas bins because they fit a lot of items, big and little.  You can buy the same color, or different colors.  To create a cohesive look, buy the same size and style of bins. Ziplock bags and plastic shoe bins work as well.  Consider your storage space.  Do you have room on the shelves? Would ziplocks work better to store them all in a larger bin? Will you need to store the items in your car?

Go on a scavenger hunt around your house.  Chances are you will find the items that are in the book. Do the same in your classroom.  Your pocket book will thank you.

Use real objects.  It’s difficult for students with visual impairments to understand items that are only visual representations of the items.

Be picky.  Choose books that discuss everyday activities, events, and objects.  If your book is too abstract, the children may have difficulty understanding it.  Books that are too abstract are also difficult for creating a story box.  Click here for my list of books that make great story boxes.

Shop at Kohl’s.  Kohl’s sells awesome books for $5.  Better yet- they sell the coordinating stuffed animals.  Now I realize I just told you to buy the real objects.  But I am not a fan of buying real mice, birds, bees, bears, etc (nor is it realistic to do so) that are usually highlighted in books.  Use the stuffed animals.  They are large and match the pictures in the book.  For students with low vision, the stuffed toys are easier to see also.

Following these tips will help you to create meaningful story boxes easily and consistently. Once you have a great story box, you are on your way to an awesome circle time!

Visit my pinterest page for more story box ideas.

What are your favorite story box books?