Ask Ollie
Flashlight Story Relay
Here's one to try together!
Pass the glowing light, add a bit of story, and see where the tale wanders next!
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- Dark room may cause tripping or bumping into things, so clear the floor first
- Spooky themes may frighten sensitive children, so keep the story friendly rather than scary
- Do not shine the flashlight directly into anyone's eyes
What you need
- Flashlight, 1
- Paper, 4 to 6 small slips (optional)
- Paper bag, 1 (optional)
- Pillows and cushions, a few (optional)
- Pencil, 1 (optional)
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Clear the floor so nobody trips in the dim light. Write a few twist prompts on paper if you like. Remind everyone to keep the tale friendly and silly.
- Sit in a circle and dim the room lights.
- Make a friendly rule: keep the story silly, not scary.
- Hold the flashlight and start the story with one sentence.
- Pass the flashlight to the player on your left.
- Add one or two sentences, then pass the light on. Ask: What do you think the sock will do next?
- On every third turn, read out a twist from the pile.
- Work the twist into the very next part of the story. Ask: How can we make this twist fit into our tale?
- When the story feels ready, finish it with a big party!
- Take a bow, then start a brand new story! Ask: What should our next story be about?
Play it again
- Silly genre: pick a theme like space pirates or underwater bakery before you start.
- Word of the round: everyone must sneak in one chosen word, like 'noodle', on their turn.
- Echo story: before adding your part, repeat the last sentence in a funny voice.
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