What is add-on storytelling? Add-on storytelling starts with you giving everyone in the group a sheet of paper and a pencil or pen.
Everyone begins writing a story, then after a minute or two, you fold the paper over until only the last line of the story can be read, and pass it to the person on your right. Each person reads the last line of the new story in front of them and continues the story for another block of time until folding and passing to their right.
This continues until you get yours back. When it comes time for everyone to write the very last segment of the story in front of them, they should end it. After all of them have been written, each person stands up in turn and reads their story. It’s pretty funny what kinds of ideas develop from this. Most don’t make sense at all, which only makes it more hilarious.
This date is totally free, so it works great for groups of people on tight budgets. And the more the merrier when it comes to this activity; small groups don’t give you nearly the laughs as a larger one.
What you need for this add-on storytelling group date idea:
You need enough paper for each person, plus writing utensils. That’s it. And of course, treats to eat afterward. Why not make the treats all together? For inspiration on what to make check out my food blog, In the Kitchen with Matt.
My commentary on this group date idea:
When I was a young whippersnapper, my older brother introduced me to this activity. We happened to be having a family gathering and wanted to play some sort of game, so he suggested Add-On Storytelling. There were about 7 of us, so the size was pretty good for the activity.
I really liked the game as a twelve-year-old, but when I actually developed writing skills and a love for writing is when I fully appreciated the game and how it can be used to create fun memories.
This is a great activity for a group date, especially if you want your date laughing. People like to laugh, so why not give them the opportunity? Several years ago, a large group of us were over at a friend’s house for games. I suggested this and we all played it. The best part was when everyone took turns reading his or her’s finished story out loud. Hilarious. This was not a group date, per se; it was just a bunch of girls and guys that got together for a fun evening. And it was fun, no doubt—afterward, we even ate some amazing homemade chocolate chip cookies that I had baked.
Just a few weeks ago there was a huge group of use singles together. I organized this game. We had 7 tables of 10 people at each table all playing this game. I walked around and tuned in on the stories. So much creativity and a bunch of weird stories as well. It was awesome!
So the next time you are planning a fun group date idea, grab some paper and pens, get a bunch of couples together and play a rousing game of Add-On Storytelling, you will love it!
Watch the video I made talking about this Add-On Storytelling date idea
Do you have experience with this date idea? Let me know in the comments how it went and if your date, spouse, significant other liked it. You can buy a copy of the book 101 Creative Dates: ideas, tips, and personal experiences from the life of a hopeless romantic here or visit the shop.
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