Write a story together: your story map
In short: Choose a character, something they want and a small obstacle in their way. Add two attempts, a resolution and a calm ending. Fill in the map below and print it, or draw the same boxes on paper to make a story together.
My story map
Your writing stays only on this open page; it is not sent to the server or saved. Print before refreshing or changing language. You can use imaginary characters instead of real child details.
Printable story map
Character and setting
What does the character want?
A small obstacle
Which two things do they try?
How do they find a solution?
A calm ending
Completed example: The Hedgehog’s Rainy Picnic
- Character and setting
- A little hedgehog living in a rainy garden
- What does the character want?
- To have a picnic with a friend somewhere dry.
- A small obstacle
- The picnic blanket is wet.
- Which two things do they try?
- First a leaf, but it is too small. Then the hedgehog asks a friend for help.
- How do they find a solution?
- Together they join large leaves to make a dry corner.
- A calm ending
- After the picnic they rest, listening to the raindrops in the garden.
Fill in the map together
An adult can write while the child talks, points or draws. One sentence in each box is enough to begin. Focus on how the events connect before trying to make every sentence perfect.
Fill with the example replaces the contents of all fields. You can also read the completed example below before starting your own. Clear the fields removes only the writing on this page.
Turn the plan into a complete story
Read the boxes in order and join them with phrases such as “One day”, “But”, “So” and “At last”. Add a little dialogue to show what the character says. Check that the resolution grows out of the earlier attempts.
Read it together and improve just one thing: an unclear event, an overlong sentence or a missing ending. This tool organises your ideas; it does not generate a story automatically. The print window also lets you save your map as a PDF.
Questions
Is our writing saved?
No. Fields stay on this open page only. They are not sent to the server, linked to an account or written to browser storage. Refreshing the page clears them.
Can we use it before my child can write?
Yes. Your child can tell the story aloud or draw the boxes on paper and add pictures. An adult can write down their words.