Story Squares

Name and Purpose

Story Squares is a lighthearted getting-to-know-you activity where participants choose how much they want to share.
The number of squares a person takes sets how many facts they share, giving everyone an element of choice.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Indoor or outdoor circle; seated on chairs or ground

Materials

Preferred low-waste option: a stack of index cards or sticky notes (one per share); reusable across sessions
Alternative: 2-3 rolls of toilet paper, used sparingly (each person tears only what they genuinely need)
If toilet paper is used: collect unused squares for repurposing (craft supply, cleanup rags); do not discard whole rolls

Quick-Run Card

Group sits in a circle.
Staff sets up the scenario: “Imagine we’re heading out on an overnight camping trip. Grab enough squares for one night.”
Pass the stack of cards (or TP rolls) around; each person takes what they want.
Once everyone has their cards or squares, reveal: each one = one fact about yourself.
Go around the circle sharing, one fact per card or square.

Setup and Boundaries

No physical boundaries needed; the seated circle is the container
Signal: raised hand = everyone pauses
Keep the tone playful; staff models by going first with a fun, low-stakes example

How to Play

Group sits in a circle. Staff introduces the camping scenario to add a fun frame.
Cards or toilet paper rolls pass around the circle. Each participant takes as many as they like. No hints yet about what they are for.
Once everyone has their cards or squares, staff reveals: “Each one you took means one thing you’ll share about yourself.”
Go around the circle. Each person shares one fact per card or square they are holding.
Reactions are celebrated: “Oh, me too!” moments are encouraged.
Optional reverse: before the reveal, let people put some cards back if they want fewer shares. This adds a funny moment and removes pressure.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Take plenty of squares; share detailed, colourful facts
S (Support): Take a moderate amount; ask follow-up questions after others share
Q (Quiet): Take two or three squares; share brief, simple facts
O (Observer): Take one square; share one thing when ready; listen for the rest

Inclusion Adaptations

Index cards allow participants to write their facts instead of saying them aloud; they can pass the card for someone else to read or hold it up
Participants who want to share fewer facts can put cards back before the reveal; this is framed as a funny “strategic move,” not a limitation

Stewardship Moment

If index cards are used: collect them at the end, decorate and post them as a “Who We Are” display, or recycle them
If toilet paper is used: any untorn squares go into the craft supply bin or are used for cleanup; nothing is wasted
Reflection: “We each chose how much to bring to the circle today. How might we carry that same care for choice into how we share with each other all week?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “You’ll be sharing facts about yourself in a moment. You get to choose how many things you share by how many cards you take. There’s no wrong number.”
For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
Mid-game check: After the reveal, offer a moment to put cards back: “Want to adjust? Now’s the time, no questions asked.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Participants can pass on any fact with a simple “pass” and move to the next card. They can return to a skipped fact at the end if they choose.

Risks and Mitigation

Someone takes a very large number for laughs and then struggles to fill their shares: staff normalises putting some back before the reveal
Toilet paper waste if used: reinforce “take only what you think you’ll need” and have a repurpose plan ready
Shares become too personal: staff models light, fun examples at the start; redirect gently if needed

Warm-Up Suggestions

“One Word Round”: each person says one word that describes how they are feeling right now
“Two Truths, One Stretch”: quick round before the main activity to warm up self-disclosure

Debrief Questions

What? “What’s one thing you shared that you didn’t expect others to relate to?”
So What? “What did you notice about how much or how little people chose to share?”
Now What? “How can giving people a choice in how much they share build trust in a group?”

Cleanup and Reset