Wakefield Museums and Castles

Ilbert's story building challenge

Ilbert the Dragon, a friendly yellow and purple dragon mascot

This is Ilbert. He is a friendly dragon.

Ilbert lives at Pontefract Castle.

An adult with a child sat on her lap grinning, sat on the story chair at Pontefract Castle

Ilbert and his friends love stories! They like to read books from the Pontefract Castle Gift Shop. They also enjoy making up their own stories.

We have a special storytelling chair at Pontefract Castle. See if you can find it on your next visit. Sit down and create your own story together.

Tips to start your story

Ilbert has some tips to start your story.

Each person takes a turn making up a sentence. You can write your sentence down or say it out loud.

For example:

  • The first person might start with: We arrived at Pontefract Castle on a warm, sunny morning.

  • The next person might continue by saying: But something seemed strange.

  • The next person might follow with: Everything was quiet and calm.

  • And the next person might say: Suddenly, there was a flash of light and we saw a…

 By taking turns, you build up a shared story one sentence at a time.

It is an exciting way to create a story. You never know what the next person might say!

If you can’t visit the castle, you can create a story together anywhere. Try these tips at home, in the car or on the train.

An extra challenge

Fancy an extra challenge? Create a list of words that must be included in your story.

Or, you could have 'banned' words that you can’t say in your story.

Ilbert suggests you use these words:

  • Castle

  • Dragon

  • Dungeon

  • Fly

  • King

  • Queen

  • Sky

Share your story with us!

We'd love to hear your stories! Why not share your story with us via email at museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk .

Or, you could record your story and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.

50 things to do before you're 5 logo

You can use this activity for your 50 things to do before you're 5

Creating a story together can link with:

  • Number 10: Sharing Books

  • Number 45: Wonderful Waiting Games

50 things to do ages five to eleven logo

You can do this activity together as part of your 50 things to do ages five to eleven

It links to:

  • Number 46: Be a Bookworm

  • Number 48: Once Upon a Time

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