Tell a story without words
Create a silent picture sequence using drawings, photos, or objects to tell a story. Arrange, photograph, and share the sequence without words.
About this activity
Create a silent picture sequence using drawings, photos, or objects to tell a story. Arrange, photograph, and share the sequence without words.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Decide on one simple story idea with a clear main character and a goal.
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Step 2
Choose whether you will tell the story with drawings photos or arranged objects.
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Step 3
Gather the materials you need and place them on your clear flat surface.
- 4
Step 4
Sketch small thumbnail plans on scrap paper showing the start middle and end of your story.
- 5
Step 5
Create the first panel by drawing it or arranging objects to show the opening scene.
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Step 6
Make each next panel one at a time until you have a clear sequence that shows the middle and the ending.
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Step 7
Lay out all finished panels in order left to right or top to bottom on your surface.
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Step 8
Adjust poses props facial expressions and colours so the story is easy to understand without words.
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Step 9
Photograph each panel in order making sure each photo fills the frame and looks similar to the others.
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Step 10
Share your finished silent picture sequence on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you do the "Tell a story without words" activity?
Start by picking a simple story idea or everyday moment. Help your child plan 4–8 key scenes, then create each scene using drawings, photos, or small objects. Arrange the scenes in order on the floor or a table and photograph each frame straight-on for clarity. Keep captions and words out; encourage viewers to guess the story. Share the sequence as a photo strip or slideshow. For younger kids, act out scenes before capturing them.
What materials do I need for a silent picture sequence?
You'll need paper and pencils or markers for drawings, a camera or smartphone to photograph scenes, and simple props or toys to build each frame. Optional supplies: scissors, tape, colored paper, stickers, a small blanket or poster board as background, and a tripod or phone stand for steady shots. Most families can use household items; no special equipment required.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity suits many ages. Toddlers (2–3) can participate with adult help using toys or simple photos. Preschoolers (3–5) can create basic sequences with drawings or objects. Elementary kids (6–10) can plan multi-step stories and photograph scenes independently. Tweens and teens can design complex narratives, experiment with composition, and edit slideshows. Adapt challenge and supervision for fine motor skills and screen use.
What are the benefits of creating silent picture sequences?
Making silent picture sequences builds storytelling and sequencing skills, boosts visual literacy, and strengthens observation. It encourages creativity, planning, and fine motor practice through drawing or arranging objects. Sharing sequences improves communication and confidence without relying on words. The activity is low-cost, screen-flexible, and great for cooperative play, classroom use, or family projects that promote imagination and empathy.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a 'clear flat surface' or fancy art supplies?
Use a clean tabletop, a large piece of cardboard or posterboard as your clear flat surface, and swap markers or paint for crayons, magazine cutouts, stickers or small toy figures when you gather materials.
My panels look confusing or the photos don't match — how can I fix that?
Secure props with tape or Blu-Tack, keep the camera or phone at the same height and distance for each panel, and check your thumbnail plans to align poses, expressions and colours with the start, middle and end.
How can this activity be adapted for different ages?
For younger children simplify the task to two or three large panels using arranged objects and a single clear goal, while older kids can create detailed thumbnail plans, more panels, and experiment with camera angles and framing when they photograph each panel.
How can we extend or personalise the silent story project?
Turn it into stop-motion by taking more incremental photos per movement, craft and decorate custom props and colour schemes when you adjust poses and colours, and print or bind the finished panels into a mini-book before sharing on DIY.org.