Activity Overview
Use Storyboard That to get students thinking about stories. Give them a prompt to work with, or start a storyboard for them to finish. There are many amazing scenes and characters on Storyboard That to stir up imagination! The prompt for the example below is: “The snow kept coming down…”
Depending on the level of your students, you may want to enforce a narrative arc, or you may just want the story to make sense sequentially. This particular activity is good for expanding “quick write” ideas, or boiling down a story idea to its major points. It is also good to get stuck students started. Present several finished stories to see the different directions students took!
Stick with eight cells or less to avoid long and complicated stories. A fun, but challenging, alternative would be to have one student or one group complete one cell of the storyboard, and then pass the storyboard on. Similar to passing a story stick or writing a class story, this will challenge students to make sense of the previous cells and channel their creativity!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a story! Use the starting prompt, "The snow kept coming down!", or use a prompt from your imagination.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use the description boxes and dialogue to tell your story.
- Create illustrations for each part using all the fun scenes, characters, and items!
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Use Storyboard That to get students thinking about stories. Give them a prompt to work with, or start a storyboard for them to finish. There are many amazing scenes and characters on Storyboard That to stir up imagination! The prompt for the example below is: “The snow kept coming down…”
Depending on the level of your students, you may want to enforce a narrative arc, or you may just want the story to make sense sequentially. This particular activity is good for expanding “quick write” ideas, or boiling down a story idea to its major points. It is also good to get stuck students started. Present several finished stories to see the different directions students took!
Stick with eight cells or less to avoid long and complicated stories. A fun, but challenging, alternative would be to have one student or one group complete one cell of the storyboard, and then pass the storyboard on. Similar to passing a story stick or writing a class story, this will challenge students to make sense of the previous cells and channel their creativity!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a story! Use the starting prompt, "The snow kept coming down!", or use a prompt from your imagination.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use the description boxes and dialogue to tell your story.
- Create illustrations for each part using all the fun scenes, characters, and items!
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Winter Holiday Story Starter
How to Differentiate Storyboard Activities for Diverse Learners
Adapt storyboard prompts and requirements to meet the needs of students with varied reading and writing abilities. Offer sentence starters, vocabulary lists, or visual supports for students who may need help, and provide extension options for advanced learners to deepen engagement.
Offer multiple prompt choices
Provide a selection of story starters so students can choose one that sparks their interest or matches their comfort level. This increases motivation and helps every student begin writing with confidence.
Give flexible storyboard formats
Allow students to work with different numbers of storyboard cells or adapt the layout. Some students may benefit from fewer cells to focus on main ideas, while others might enjoy adding detail with more scenes.
Use peer collaboration strategically
Pair students intentionally—mixing strengths and learning styles—to encourage support and creativity. Peers can help each other brainstorm, plan, and revise, making the activity more inclusive and dynamic.
Incorporate visual and audio supports
Encourage students to use pictures, symbols, or audio recordings in their storyboards. This supports English language learners and students who express ideas better visually or verbally, ensuring everyone can participate fully.
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Holiday Story Starter
What is a winter holiday story starter?
A winter holiday story starter is a creative writing prompt designed to inspire students to write stories set during the winter holidays. These starters, like “The snow kept coming down…”, help spark ideas and get students engaged in storytelling.
How can I use Storyboard That for quick winter writing activities?
You can use Storyboard That by giving students a seasonal prompt and letting them create storyboards with scenes and characters. This visual approach helps students quickly organize and expand their ideas into complete winter-themed stories.
What are some easy ways to start a holiday story with my students?
Begin with a simple prompt like “The snow kept coming down…” and let students build their own narratives. You can start a storyboard for them to finish, or have each student add to a collaborative story, making the activity fun and accessible.
Why use storyboards for K-12 holiday writing lessons?
Storyboards make writing more interactive by combining text and visuals. They help students organize their thoughts, encourage creativity, and support those who struggle with traditional writing—all while making holiday lessons engaging.
What are the benefits of collaborative storyboard activities in the classroom?
Collaborative storyboard activities encourage teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Passing a storyboard between students or groups helps them interpret others’ ideas, adapt creatively, and build class community during holiday lessons.
More Storyboard That Activities
Winter Holiday Classroom Activities
![Winter Holiday Classroom Activities - The Story of [Insert Holiday Here]](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/5496923/cell-col-2-row-1-w400.png "Winter Holiday Classroom Activities - The Story of [Insert Holiday Here]")
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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