A Creative Listening & Painting Activity for Kids
- meditatewithsteph
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Pairing storytelling with art is one of my favorite ways to bring imagination to life. This week, my students listened to Sunny the Seashell Story from my podcast Storytelling with Steph and then painted their own seashells, inspired by the magical world they’d just explored. The combination was simple, calming, and full of creativity—a perfect activity for both home and classroom settings.
The Story Behind the Project
In this episode, listeners join Leo on a summer day at Coral Cove, where a sparkly seashell leads him to talking sea creatures and a secret beneath the waves. The gentle pace and whimsical setting make this story ideal for ages 4–9, and it creates a beautiful backdrop for a hands-on art activity.
The Seashell Art Project
To extend the story, I created a free Seashell Art Project guide here.
You’ll Need:
Seashells (real or paper cutouts)
Paint, brushes, and markers
Optional glitter, stickers, or metallic pens
Water and paper towels
How It Works:
Play the story and invite kids to imagine Sunny and her underwater friends.
Give them time to paint their own version of Sunny—or create their own magical shells.
Wrap up by sharing and displaying their creations.
This activity is low-prep, screen-free, and encourages kids to express what they see in their minds as they listen.
Why It’s Great for Home or Classroom
Active listening practice: Hands-on activity keeps kids engaged with the narrative.
Imagination booster: No illustrations are given, so every child’s creation is unique.
Mindful downtime: Painting and storytelling create a calm, focused atmosphere.
Confidence building: Kids are proud to see their ideas come to life.
A Simple Way to Make Stories Interactive
Bringing a story off the page (or in this case, out of the headphones!) and into kids’ hands deepens their connection to storytelling. Whether you’re a teacher planning a themed lesson or a parent looking for a rainy-day activity, this combination of audio storytelling and art is a beautiful way to spark creativity—and maybe even start a new tradition.
🎧 Listen to Sunny the Seashell Story and download the free art guide here.