Simple Ways to Take Storytelling Outdoors

Storytelling is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have — and it becomes even more magical when it happens outdoors. The sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world can spark creativity and deepen students’ engagement with stories.

Whether you’re sitting under a tree, walking a forest path, or gathered around a stump circle, outdoor storytelling invites children to listen, imagine, and express themselves in new ways. In this post, you’ll find ideas and practical tips for weaving storytelling into your outdoor learning time with young elementary students.

a teacher reading a book to a group of students under a tree

Why Tell Stories Outside?

Outdoor storytelling:

✨ Boosts imagination through sensory-rich environments
✨ Connects children with nature and place-based learning
✨ Encourages speaking, listening, and expressive language skills
✨ Supports social-emotional learning through shared experiences
✨ Builds classroom community and fosters a love of stories

The outdoors provides the perfect stage for stories — the breeze, the birdsong, and the sunlight all become part of the experience.

Simple Ways to Get Started

You don’t need elaborate materials to begin outdoor storytelling. Here are some easy ways to start:

1. Tell Familiar Stories Outside

Bring favorite picture books, folk tales, or oral stories outside and retell them in your own words. Encourage students to join in with repeated phrases or sound effects.

Tip: Pick stories that connect to the outdoor setting, such as animal tales, seasonal stories, or weather adventures.

2. Story Walks

Turn a nature walk into a story walk. Pause along the way to tell parts of a story or invite students to imagine what might happen next based on what they see.

Variation: Have students collect natural objects and create their own story inspired by what they find.

3. Story Stones or Story Sticks

Bring a basket of story stones (painted or drawn with simple images) or story sticks (sticks wrapped with yarn, beads, or symbols). Students can pick one or more items to inspire their own story.

4. Group Storytelling Circle

Sit in a circle and create a story together. One person begins with a sentence, and each person adds the next part. The unpredictable turns are always fun and foster collaborative creativity.

5. Nature as a Character

Challenge students to create stories where an element of nature becomes a character. What story would a tree tell? What adventure might a curious caterpillar go on?

Practical Tips for Success

Keep it short and engaging: Young children focus best on short stories or storytelling activities with lots of participation.
Choose a comfortable spot: Find a shady or sheltered spot where students can sit comfortably and listen without too many distractions.
Use your voice and body: Vary your voice, facial expressions, and gestures to keep students engaged and bring the story to life.
Encourage participation: Invite students to repeat phrases, make sound effects, or suggest parts of the story.
Adapt to the moment: Be flexible! Sometimes an unexpected bug, cloud, or bird might become the perfect story spark.

Simple Story Starters

Here are a few prompts to inspire storytelling outdoors:

“One windy day, a tiny leaf decided to go on an adventure…”
“In the middle of the forest, a very shy bunny found something unexpected…”
“Long ago, this big old rock was home to a very small creature…”
“What if you woke up one morning and could understand what the birds were saying?”

Final Thoughts on Outdoor Storytelling

Storytelling outdoors doesn’t need to be complicated — all you need is a story and a little space under the sky. The natural world offers endless inspiration and opportunities for children to express their creativity.

As you weave storytelling into your outdoor learning time, you’ll nurture language skills, spark imagination, and build joyful classroom memories.

Happy storytelling!

Simple Ways to Take Storytelling Outdoors

Why Tell Stories Outside?