Roll a Story – Creative Narrative Writing Activity, No Prep

Dice rolls pick the character, setting and problem for a student-written story, with planning and writing pages at three levels, from pictures and key words up to full sentences.
Year levels
Years 1–3
File type
PDF
Preparation
Print ready

Updated Jan 07, 2023

Subject
Writing, English
Topic
Creative Writing, Narrative Genre
Resource types
Activities
Preparation
Print ready

From the author

About this resource

Roll a Story | Creative Writing | Narrative Genre | Quick Activity | No Prep

Roll a Story is an engaging and inclusive creative writing tool designed for middle primary students ranging from Year 1 to Year 3. It serves a dual purpose - not only does it encourage children to embrace the art of storytelling, but also caters to learners at different levels of capability.

The core element of this resource is its unique 'Roll a Story Chart'. Here's how it works:

  • Students roll a dice to select their story’s main character, setting, and key problem.
  • This keeps the activity engaging every time it is used.

This product creatively interweaves phonics learning with narrative writing by introducing the story 'Three Free Wishes'. The tale is laden with Long E Words – subtly reinforcing phonics skills even as students look to weave their own tales.

The resource offers versatility in its application too. Here's how:

  1. Educators can use it as an entire class activity for brainstorming fresh narratives or initiate small group sessions for collaborative storytelling experiences.
  2. If assigned individually, like homework exercises focusing on creative writing skills enhancement – learners will find joy in personalising their narratives based on random elements from dice rolls.

Differentiated Story Planning Sheets and Writing Sheets Included!


To further facilitate learners at various capability levels among young writers,this package includes three differentiated types of Story Planning Sheets along with Writing Sheets.

No-Preparation Necessary!


Maintaining teacher convenience without compromising active participation and practice, Roll a Story offers an enjoyable quick activity requiring almost zero preparation.

Roll a Story not only makes creativity fun but immerses students into literacy. So whether your classroom nurtures hesitant beginners looking for inspiration or is bustling with confident storytellers, one thing is sure: Roll a Story has something charming rolled up its sleeve for all!

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Plan a story around a given character, setting and problem

  • Write a titled narrative from a story plan

Teaching tips

  • Each writer needs a die, and each can use the planning page that fits: key words and pictures, key words and sentences, or full sentences.

Skills covered

  • Story planning — recording rolled choices on a planning sheet

  • Narrative writing — drafting a titled story on the writing pages

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