Story sticks are tangible reminders of the outline of a story. I first learned about them at a workshop on storytelling and Eco-schools led by Donald Smith and Claire McNichol at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
I made this story stick out of a small windfall branch, fabric scraps, ends of yarn and a few pipe cleaners. Each decoration added to the stick symbolizes an aspect of the story. I created it to help me learn the Welsh tale about the Little Man with Very Large Feet.
Aside from the pipe cleaners, everything I used was either recycled, reused, or was a natural material found outside. While it may look like a jumble of odds and ends, it helps me to remember the story.
I’ve included a photo of a more elaborate story stick made by another workshop participant. Story sticks can be made by people of a wide range of ages and talents. They are helpful for anyone learning a story, but are particularly useful for beginner tellers as they offer something they can physically hang onto while telling a story.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh offers a range of workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year.
Eco-Schools is an international programme. In Scotland over 90% of schools are participating in the programme and almost a quarter have achieved the highest award of a Green Flag.
Restorying the Earth 