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Write a story spine

Write a story spine
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Create a story spine template and use it to build characters, setting, problem, and resolution by writing and illustrating a short story.

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Step-by-step guide to create a story spine

What you need
Colouring materials, eraser, paper, pencil, ruler

Step 1

Gather your materials and find a quiet table to work on.

Step 2

Fold one sheet of paper in half lengthwise to make a long strip for your story spine.

Step 3

Use the ruler and pencil to draw six equal boxes along the strip.

Step 4

Label the six boxes Characters; Setting; Problem; Events; Climax; Resolution.

Step 5

Write your main character’s name and three short traits in the Characters box.

Step 6

Write two or three details about where and when the story happens in the Setting box.

Step 7

Write the big problem the character faces in the Problem box.

Step 8

Write three short events in the Events box that show how the problem gets bigger or leads to the climax.

Step 9

Write the turning point action or decision in the Climax box.

Step 10

Write how the problem is solved and what changes afterward in the Resolution box.

Step 11

Use a new sheet of paper to write your short story using each box as a sentence or paragraph guide.

Step 12

Draw pictures on the story pages for at least three key scenes.

Step 13

Colour your pictures and add any finishing details with your colouring materials.

Step 14

Take a photo or upload your finished story and illustrations and share your creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a ruler, pencil, or colouring materials listed in the instructions?

Use the straight edge of a hardcover book or a cereal box as a ruler to draw the six equal boxes after you fold the paper lengthwise, swap a pen or marker for the pencil when writing the Characters/Setting/Problem boxes, and replace colouring materials with crayons, washable markers, or stickers to finish the pictures.

What should I do if my boxes are uneven or my Events box gets too crowded?

If the boxes are uneven, refold the long strip and make five small pencil folds to mark six equal sections before drawing with a ruler, and if the Events box is crowded, split the three short events across two lines or use small bullet phrases to keep each event short.

How can I adapt this story-spine activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids, pre-label the six boxes and let them draw the Characters and one-word traits and three key scene pictures, while older kids can write full paragraphs for each box and expand the Events box into multiple sentences on the new sheet when composing the short story.

How can we extend or personalize the finished story beyond the basic instructions?

Turn the coloured story pages into a stapled or ribbon-bound book with a decorated cover that highlights the main Character and record a short audio narration or video of the child reading it to upload alongside the photos to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create a story spine

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Storytelling Structure: The Pixar Story Spine

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Facts about story structure and creative writing for kids

✏️ A "story spine" is a short template (Once upon a time... Every day... Until one day...) writers use to build plots quickly.

🎨 Changing an illustration's color palette or style can make the same scene feel happy, spooky, or dreamy.

🌟 Kids who write and illustrate stories often boost vocabulary, confidence, and creative problem-solving.

📚 Many picture books use a 32-page format — that's a tiny stage for big ideas and illustrations!

🧠 Telling or hearing stories lights up many parts of the brain — it helps memory, empathy, and imagination.

How do you create and use a story spine template with a child?

To create and use a story spine template with your child, draw or print a simple spine with prompts: Once upon a time..., Every day..., But one day..., Because of that..., Until finally..., And ever since.... Work together to brainstorm characters, setting, problem, and resolution. Have the child write a short sentence for each prompt, then expand into a page per beat and illustrate scenes. Read aloud and revise for clarity and fun.

What materials do I need to make a story spine template and illustrate a short story?

You'll need paper or a printable story spine template, pencils, erasers, and colored pencils or markers for illustrations. Optional supplies: scissors, glue, construction paper for a folded book, stickers, stamps, a ruler, and a binder or folder to store finished stories. For digital versions use a tablet or computer with a drawing app or slideshow software. Keep small items away from very young children and supervise craft tools.

What ages is this writing-and-illustration story spine activity suitable for?

Suitable for ages 4–12 with adjustments: preschoolers (4–6) can use a simplified spine with picture prompts and adult help writing; early elementary (6–8) can fill short sentences and add simple illustrations; older children (9–12) can write richer details, revise plots, or create illustrated chapter spreads. Tailor complexity, offer vocabulary choices, and let each child lead the pacing. Group versions work for mixed ages with peer support.

What are the benefits of using a story spine, and how can I adapt it?

Using a story spine builds narrative structure, vocabulary, sequencing, and planning skills while encouraging imagination and fine motor practice through illustration. Variations: make a collaborative classroom spine, turn beats into a comic strip, write a flipbook, or use random prompt cards for surprise plots. Safety: supervise scissors, small decorations, or digital devices, and encourage discussions about emotions in stories to support social-emotional learning.
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