Family Story Basket
This literacy-rich SEL activity encourages children to explore identity, storytelling, communication, and family connection through shared conversations, meaningful objects, and playful storytelling experiences.
Materials
Basket or small container
Family photos or printed pictures
Small meaningful objects or keepsakes
Favorite books (optional)
Paper and crayons (optional)
Instructions
Invite children to place family photos or meaningful objects into a basket.
Encourage children to choose one item at a time and share something about it.
Ask simple open-ended questions to support storytelling and conversation.
Encourage children to listen as others share stories and memories.
Allow children to draw pictures or continue storytelling through pretend play.
Learning Benefits
memory recall
observation skills
storytelling and conversation
emotional connection
listening skills
identity and belonging
relationship-building
early literacy exploration
Infant & Toddler Adaptations
Offer soft photo cards, familiar objects, books, and simple family pictures for children to explore together. Model storytelling language by naming family members, describing everyday routines, and encouraging children to share memories, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation through hands-on storytelling play.