Perspective Taking Story Retelling
Retell a familiar story from a different character's point of view — building the ability to see situations from someone else's perspective.
What You'll Need
- 1Favorite storybook (optional — can work from memory)
- 2Paper and crayons for illustrating the new version (optional)
What You'll Need
A familiar storybook (optional — you can retell from memory)
Paper and crayons for illustrating the new version (optional)
How to Play
Choose a story your child knows inside and out — fairy tales work especially well.
Pick a character who isn't the hero: "What if we told the Three Little Pigs from the wolf's point of view?"
Start retelling: "Maybe the wolf was just really hungry and looking for food. How does that change things?"
Ask your child to fill in feelings: "How did the wolf feel when the door was slammed in his face?"
Retell key moments from this new angle. Some things look very different.
Compare: "Is the wolf bad, or is he just seeing things differently than the pigs?"
Bridge to real life: "When you and your friend disagree, you're each telling a different version of the same story."
Why It Works
Perspective-taking is the foundation of empathy, and it's a skill that develops through practice, not lectures. When kids retell a story from the "villain's" point of view, they discover that everyone has reasons for their behavior. The wolf isn't evil — he's hungry. The stepsister isn't wicked — she's jealous and insecure. This nuanced thinking transfers directly to real conflicts. A child who can see the wolf's perspective can also see their sibling's perspective in an argument.
Tips
Start with stories that have clear heroes and villains. The contrast is more interesting.
Don't lead the child to a "correct" interpretation. Let them genuinely consider the other character's experience.
Try movies too: "What if we told Frozen from Hans's perspective?"
For advanced kids, retell a personal conflict from the other person's view: "How would your friend tell this story?"
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: favorite storybook (optional — can work from memory), paper and crayons for illustrating the new version (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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