Photo: Topsy Page
I was recently reminded of a fun well-known story game: Fortunately, Unfortunately.
Here’s how it goes:
Child 1: Once upon a time there was [e.g. a mouse who decided to go on an adventure].
Child 2: Unfortunately, Mousey forgot to take any food or water!
Child 3: Fortunately, she made friends with a horse who had a bag full of food.
Child 4: Unfortunately, Horsey tripped over a rock and all the food fell into a rushing river!
Child 5: Fortunately, Mousey spotted a friendly duck who could dive into the water.
Child 6: Unfortunately, the river was very fast and carried most of the food far away.
Child 7: Fortunately, the duck managed to save a small bundle of food for them to share.
Child 8: Unfortunately, when it got dark they still hadn’t found a safe place to sleep.
Child 9: Fortunately, they saw a warm light glowing from a little cottage nearby.
Child 10: Unfortunately, the cottage door was locked!
I think you get it now!
Try in small groups, as a whole class, or in the car over the holidays.
Including some holiday-themed questions… Is ice cream for breakfast really a good idea?!
“They didn’t want to stop!” Play this engaging game with your students to develop listening and collaborative thinking

Can they remember what everyone else said?