Ways to enjoy picture book Stanley's Stick
Stanley's stick is not just a stick. With a stick in hand, Stanley's options are endless - he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur... his imagination takes over and the magic begins.
Listen to the story with your child and try some of the activity ideas below. Stanley's Stick, written by John Hegley, and illustrated by Neal Layton.
Listen to Stanley's Stick
Read by author John Hegley, music written by James Manson, and played by the Northern Chamber Orchestra
While you're watching the story you could:
- Talk about whether your child has something special they like to take with them when they go out.
- Talk about all the words that begin with the sound 'ssss' in the story.
- Talk about the music and how it changes during the story.
- Talk about what kind of instruments you think you can hear.
- Try to think of some other names for Stanley's stick.
Stick play
After you have finished the story try some of these stick-themed activities:
- Go for a walk to the park or woods and gather some sticks. As you collect them talk about what they look like, how they feel, count them, and compare the sizes.
- Encourage your child to use their imagination, just like Stanley, and pretend their stick is not a stick, but something else.
- Use the sticks you've collected to make marks in mud or sand on the ground outside, or you could use them instead of a paint brush.
- You could use the sticks to build with. Combine them with blocks or other construction toys to make a bridge or home for a toy.
Creative stick ideas:
- Draw your imaginative stick ideas on paper, attaching a stick to the paper to inspire the drawing (if your stick is too big, use chalk outside instead).
- Make a leaf kebab by threading leaves you find on the ground, onto your stick.
- Make up your own stick story.
- Make a stick picture frame and collect natural items to create a picture or pattern (see below).
Stick picture frame instructions
Did you know?
The conversations you'll have while you watch the story, search for sticks, and play together will introduce new words and help your child practice communication skills. Your child will be learning while they have fun, and enjoy spending time with you.
With thanks to Hodder Children's Books, John Hegley, Neal Layton, James Manson and the Northern Chamber Orchestra
