5 Ways to spark STORYTELLING with CONNETIX
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Imaginative play is where the magic happens. When children create their own stories, they explore emotions, problem-solving and language in a way that feels both natural and joyful. With CONNETIX, the possibilities for storytelling are endless. Build a tiny village, a jungle adventure or a spaceship to the moon, and bring those stories to life in a colourful, hands-on way. In this article, you’ll find five simple ideas to spark storytelling at home. Enjoy!
Storytelling plays a powerful role in child development. It helps children process emotions, develop language and practice sequencing and problem-solving. Through storytelling, children make sense of the world around them. It also supports social skills, as children learn to express their thoughts, understand different perspectives and cooperate with others. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to explore and regulate emotions through play.
You don’t need a script to get started. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple prompt like, “Who lives here?” or “What happens next?” to open the door to a whole new world of imagination. Especially when paired with open-ended toys like CONNETIX. That’s how a castle becomes the setting for a grand adventure or a rocket launches toward a galaxy far, far away…
Imaginative play is where the magic happens… So, grab your CONNETIX and start telling!
Build a home that reflects your world. Start small: build a house, a garden or a cosy bedroom. Invite your child’s favourite toys to move in. It could be a wooden figure, a soft animal or a mini-dinosaur. What’s their name? What do they like to do?
Encourage your child to describe what the character sees from their window. Is there a tree outside? A rainbow? A dragon flying by? Build along as you talk about it. Grab your tiles, wooden toys, loose parts, natural elements… whatever works!
Extra challenge: Make furniture for the house using tiles. Can you build a bed, a table or a bathtub? Size and proportions don’t matter. Anything goes in your fantasy world!
Story prompt: “Oh! There’s a surprise visitor at the door. Who could it be?”
Nadi Zoetebier is a mom of two boys, content creator and the founder of TijdOmTeSpelen.nl – a Dutch blog for open-ended toys and play inspiration. On Instagram, she shares daily tips and creative play ideas with open-ended materials, sensory setups and educational toys via @nadizoetebier.
CONNETIX are perfect for building castles, towers and bridges. Add a river with blue tiles or a gate (made with curved tiles from the Roads Range) where figures can enter. Once the castle is ready, the story begins. Is there a prince who loves baking? A queen who rides a dragon? A knight that loses their sword?
Use figures or animals to bring the castle to life. Loose parts like wooden rings or gems can become magical potions or royal treasures. And talking about loose parts; have you read the blog ‘CONNETIX and loose parts play ideas’ ? There’s a play idea that includes creating a treasure chest!
Extra challenge: Draw a castle map and name each room together.
Story prompt: “The royal crown is missing! Who took it…and why?”
Let your child build a colourful shop using CONNETIX. Will it be an ice cream stand, a fruit market or a pet shop? Use small toys or household items as ‘products’ and take turns being the shopkeeper and the customer.
This type of role play supports social development, language skills and basic math (like counting coins or giving change).
Extra challenge: Create your own money or price labels. Add a shopping basket and write a shopping list together.
Story prompt: “Someone just bought the last strawberry ice cream… what happens next?”
Use CONNETIX to build a train track, a space rocket or a car garage. Add ramps and tunnels for extra fun. Where is the train heading? Is there a mission on the moon? A picnic in the mountains?
Travel stories are a fun way to introduce new vocabulary and ideas about the world. You can include different weather, time of day or even make up new destinations. It’s also a great way to prepare kids and build excitement before a vacation.
Extra challenge: Craft tickets and pack a small bag with essentials for the trip.
Story prompt: “You’re going on a car trip. But there’s a cow standing in the middle of the road. What do you do?”
Use CONNETIX to build a magical land: maybe a forest filled with sparkling gems, a secret garden behind a hidden door or a rainbow bridge to a cloud castle? Invite figures and animals into the story. A brave explorer, a mischievous animal or a talking teacup (classic fairytales!). What adventures await them?
Let your child invent their own fairy tale from start to finish. What’s the problem? Who helps along the way? And how does the story end? You’ll be surprised by the twists and turns they come up with.
Extra challenge: Write down or record the story together. Draw some scenes or make your own mini picture book!
Story prompt: “One day, deep in the enchanted forest, something unusual appeared…”
We’d love to see how you play! Tag @connetix_tiles or use #connetixtiles to share your stories.
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