Free Printable Christmas Roll a Story Writing Activity
Grab this Free Printable Christmas Roll a Story! Kids roll dice to pick a character, setting, and problem for easy holiday creative writing at home or school.
Is anyone else’s house already buzzing about Christmas? 🎄 Mine sure is! My two kids started their wish lists before the Halloween candy was even gone. So I made something fun to channel all that holiday energy. This Christmas Roll a Story printable turns a simple dice roll into a cozy writing adventure. Best of all, it’s totally free!
What Is This Free Christmas Story Writing Printable?
This printable is a dice game and a writing activity all rolled into one. Each roll builds part of the story. The first roll picks a character, like a little elf, a reindeer, or a gingerbread man. The second roll picks a setting, such as the North Pole or a cozy kitchen. Finally, the third roll picks a problem, like disappearing cookies or a sleigh that won’t start. 🛷
You get seven pages in the download. First, there are two dice charts in color and black and white. Next comes a planning page. Kids write their character, setting, and problem at the top. Then they map out the beginning, middle, and end below. After that, you’ll find four writing pages with different line styles. Two have primary lines, and two have regular lines for older writers.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Writing Activity
Let’s be honest. Getting kids to write can feel like wrapping a present with one piece of tape. 😅 However, the dice change everything. Kids don’t have to stare at a blank page. The story pieces land right in their laps, which makes creative writing way less scary. My kids giggled for five minutes when they rolled a snowman at a Christmas tree farm with broken lights!
On top of that, this printable takes zero prep. Just print, grab a die, and go! It works for busy moms and teachers alike. It also sneaks in real learning. Kids practice story elements, sequencing, and narrative writing without even noticing. You know, the good kind of learning that feels like play. 🎲
How to Use the Christmas Roll a Story Printable
Getting started is super easy. You don’t need fancy supplies. Here’s how we do it.
Step 1: Print and Grab a Die
To download, head to the end of the post and enter your name and email address in the dark green download box. Check your inbox for the digital download.
Print the pages you need on regular printer paper. Use the color chart for a festive look or the black-and-white one to save ink. Don’t have dice? No problem! A free online dice roller works great too.
Step 2: Roll for Each Column
Have your child roll once for the character, once for the setting, and once for the problem. Then they match each number to the dots on the chart. Next, they write their three picks on the story planning page.
Step 3: Plan the Beginning, Middle, and End
Before writing, kids sketch out their ideas in the three boxes. The beginning introduces the character and setting. The middle explains the problem. Finally, the end shows how everyone solves it. 🎁
Step 4: Write and Illustrate
Now kids move to a writing page. Younger kids can draw a picture first and then write a few sentences. Older kids can pick a lined page and write a longer story. Afterward, let them read it aloud to the family!
Fun Ways to Use These Christmas Writing Prompts
This printable fits into so many parts of the holiday season. For example, it makes a perfect writing center activity in December. Kids can work on their own. It also works as a quiet morning activity during winter break.
At home, try it on family game night. Everyone rolls, and then each person tells their story out loud. Grandparents love this one at holiday gatherings! You can also tuck a page into a Christmas Eve box or an Advent activity calendar. Plus, it’s a great boredom buster on those long snowy days. ❄️
Variations for Your Holiday Story Dice Game
Tell It Out Loud
Non-writers can still join the fun. Little ones can roll the die and tell their story out loud instead. You can jot down their words as they talk. Later, they can draw a picture to match.
Make a Group Story
Gather the family or class. Each person adds one sentence and then passes the story along. The results get silly fast, and that’s half the fun! 😂
Roll Twice
Want a challenge? Have kids roll two characters instead of one. Now the reindeer and the gingerbread man have to team up. Speaking of gingerbread, why did he go to the doctor? He was feeling crummy! Older kids can also roll two problems for a twistier plot.
Turn It Into a Book
Staple a few finished pages together with a cover. Kids can make their very own Christmas storybook. It also makes a sweet keepsake or a handmade gift for grandparents. 🎄
Common Questions About Story Dice Writing
What age is this printable for?
It works best for kids in kindergarten through third grade. However, older kids enjoy it too, especially with the regular lined pages. Preschoolers can join in by telling their stories out loud.
What if my child doesn’t like what they rolled?
Let them roll again! This activity should feel fun, not stressful. Some kids also love a “free choice” rule for one column.
Can I use this in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers can print as many copies as they need for their own students. Please send other teachers to this post to grab their own copy, though. Do not share the digital download file 💛 Thank you!
My Favorite Printable Supplies:
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- Printer: I love my HP Home Printer, it prints beautifully everytime no matter what projects I am working on.
- Paper: Depending on the durability you want with your printables, consider printing on white card stock or high quality paper.
- Laminator: For printables you are planning to use over and over again, simply laminate and use dry erase markers to mark up the printables.
- Paper Cutter: I love my CARL Paper Cutter. It makes trimming and cutting out printables a breeze.
- Sticker Paper: When printing tags or other free printables, sticker paper can make it easy to attach to gifts, boxes, or to make your own stickers.
- Cutting Supplies: You’ll want a great pair of paper cutting scissors and I love using an Xacto Knife for intricate details.
- Pens and Coloring Supplies: Here are some of my favorite writing tools for pencils and pens. Coloring supplies that I love to use in my own home: colored pencils, crayons, markers for adults, and markers for kids.
Download the Christmas Roll a Story Pages Here
Please remember my printables are free for classroom use or personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the printable or digital file. If you wish to share the digital files, please refer friends to the link of this blog post where they can sign up to receive the free printable directly in their inbox.
Be sure to check your printer settings before printing, I generally make sure that the scale to fit option is selected to make sure all of the printables fit on the page.
To ensure emails for printables are received in your inbox add hello@thebensonstreet.com to your email contacts. Also check your promotions, updates, spam, junk or other folders if you do not see the email in inbox. Also for educators, consider using your personal email as many school districts block the emails or downloading of files.
Grab Your Free Printable Today
I hope this little printable brings some extra joy to your holiday season. Whether you use it at the kitchen table or in the classroom, Christmas Roll a Story makes writing feel like play. Simply download the file, print, and start rolling! 🎲
Don’t forget to save this idea to your Christmas board on Pinterest so you can find it later. Also, join my email list for more free printables and seasonal fun. Merry rolling, friends! I can’t wait to hear what stories your kids create.
More Roll a Story Printables:
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
