No.260
Create a Paper-Theater Story (Kamishibai)
Japanese name: みんなで作る紙芝居
Materials
- 4 sheets of equal-sized card per group
- Thick markers and coloured pencils
How to play
- Choose a main character and setting together. Make up a short original story, such as a round creature going for a walk.
- Plan four cards in the order “setting off”, “meeting”, “problem” and “solution”. Discuss each scene. Do not copy an existing picture book or character.
- Divide the four scenes among the group; in a pair, draw two large pictures each. Write the scene number and a short narration on the back. Decide who holds the pictures and who speaks.
- Stack the cards in order and practise showing each scene, pulling out one card to reveal the next. Hold them where everyone can see without hiding too much of the presenter’s face.
- Each group performs for 2–3 minutes. Listeners share a scene they enjoyed. Partners may swap roles and perform again; gather the cards to finish.
Ways to adapt
Preschool: two scenes. Younger primary: four scenes. Older primary: experiment with presentation as well.