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.
An activity to get your class talking to each other after the holidays
Seasonal versions of some well-known oracy games
Would you rather spend most of your time indoors or outdoors? And more
Statements to get your class thinking and talking in the lead-up to the holidays
A game to help children practise giving compliments… plus an announcement!
An oracy game, a mental workout, and an opportunity to practise respectful challenge
Can your class come up with convincing definitions for the new words they invent?
A physical, fun game that can be played face-to-face or virtually

Can they remember what everyone else said?