Bringing books to life through outdoor play.
Sticks for Play is a free downloadable infographic showing how children can bring stories to life through imaginative outdoor play.
Part of the 2025 partnership with Jigsaw Education Group, this resource links reading with nature-based activities. Children use natural materials to explore characters, scenes, and emotions from books, supporting reading for pleasure and wellbeing.
Activities are flexible, low-cost, and suitable for urban or rural outdoor spaces.
Please note: this resource features 2025 campaign branding.
Why it works
Sticks for Play encourages children to connect books with hands-on, creative experiences outdoors.
By using sticks and other natural materials, children can:
- Embody characters and scenes from stories
- Explore emotions and moods through play
- Develop imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills
- Improve spatial awareness, coordination, and teamwork
Outdoor play supports wellbeing by reducing stress, increasing focus, and giving children the freedom to make choices in a safe environment.
Who is it for
- Teachers or practitioners planning outdoor reading and play activities
- PSHE leads linking stories with emotional and social learning
- Teaching assistants and support staff
- Clubs and enrichment groups
- Schools and settings looking for low-cost, inclusive activities for all ages
How to use it
Share the infographic with staff and students to introduce ideas for outdoor play linked to books. Encourage children to select a favourite book or story to inspire their activity. Use sticks, leaves, stones, and other natural materials to create props, scenes, or story elements.
Allow time for reflection and discussion about the story, characters, and emotions explored. Adapt the activity to different ages, abilities, and outdoor spaces.
Get started
Download and print the infographic for classroom reference or display. Set up a safe outdoor space and gather natural materials. Introduce children to one or more suggested activities, or let them create their own story-inspired play. Encourage collaborative storytelling and creative problem-solving. Capture creations with photos to share or reflect on later.
Further Jigsaw resources
Part of the World Book Day + Jigsaw 2025 collection. Explore the related resources:
- Jigsaw Games 3–12 – Outdoor Reading Games
- Jigsaw Games 11+ – Fact or Fiction Trail Challenge
- Dressing Up with Shadows for Play
Use these resources together to create a varied programme of reading, play, and wellbeing activities.
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact [email protected].
