Tell a story from a picture

Families can try this with a picture book. Choose a page with a few characters and give the child time to look.

Try it step by step

1. Ask who is there and what might be happening.
2. Guess what comes next, then turn the page together.
3. Let the child retell the story, offering prompts only when needed.

Prepare for the activity

Choose a page with a recognisable action, such as preparing a meal or looking for an object. Sit where both readers can see. Let the child notice details first; a brief adult observation followed by a pause can work better than several questions.

Examples and adaptations

Separate observation from inference: a wet umbrella is visible, while a recent walk in the rain is a guess. Ask what supports that guess. Invent two possible next scenes, then compare them with the next page while keeping the child's version as a story of its own.

Continue and review progress

Stop after one page if interest fades. Next time, let the child ask the questions. Save a drawing or a few dictated sentences. Look for clearer expression, turn-taking and explanations supported by picture details rather than a correct retelling.

After the activity

Finish with a drawing of a favourite character. Imagination is welcome; the purpose is to practise expression and listening.