Creative Listening Cards
How to use your Moving Stories Creative Listening Cards
CREATIVE LISTENING GAME
This Creative Listening game deepens relationships, self-understanding, relaxation and it is fun! You not only listen to what is said, but to what you see expressed in a tray of sand using objects. Play with a partner, small group, in your workplace, your family or on your own. Each time you play it is different.
SET UP
Find a good spot for messy play. Sometimes the sand may spill out of the tray. Place a blanket or sheet under the trays to catch spills (especially with little ones).
Open the box, and remove the trays of objects. Both the box and the lid can be used for sand trays. The blue can represent water. Put the hanger together—this is for items that you might want to hang over the tray.
Add sand. It takes about 3 pounds or about 5 cups per tray. While sand holds the greatest creative potential, moon sand is an option if spilling is problematic in your setting.
Augment your collection of objects with household items such as marbles, play dough, popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners. Go on a nature walk and collect sticks, rocks, nuts, pinecones, shells, moss, anything!
Different ways to play. You decide how you want to play. The cards provide suggestions of ways to play, preferred ways to be heard, and questions or invitations.
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES
To enhance listening skills, stay quietly curious and full of wonder. Give your undivided attention to your partner or group. Listen with your eyes, ears and heart. Limit questions. People will share if they want to. Only touch other’s objects by invitation. Stay kind and have fun! You might even want to take a picture of your creations.
©Moving Stories, 2026®
Dr. Sue Carroll Duffy, Psy.D., RPT-S™
A creative community leader, trainer and author, she has a special interest in expressive and nature-based approaches to healing. Dr. Duffy is the creator of Moving Stories®, an approach that integrates three passions--play therapy, sandtray therapy, and bibliotherapy.
In addition to writing Moving Stories, she is is author of the children’s book, “Finding Diamonds".
The Story of Moving Stories®
Back in 2007, my children were 3 and 4. My play therapy office was ideal for play group and included tools of my trade--sandtrays and shelves full of objects such as animals, people, and houses.
I used the objects as props to tell stories in the sandtray and then kept them together in kits for the children to play with later--much as you would in a Montessori classroom. Together the kits made-up a 3-dimensional library.
The children loved the hands-on approach to storytelling and could not wait to get their own hands into the sandtrays to play with the stories and to make their own. I loved listening and joining in with their play. We even took pictures.
My training as a psychologist and in Godly Play (Jerome Berryman) inspired my 9 -Step Moving Stories approach. It has been my passion ever since--with people of all ages.
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Story, sand, symbols and play provide a safe and deep way to express thoughts and feelings that do not yet have words--it is an ancient approach to teaching and healing.
Recently, I found a Moving Stories international sister--Out of the Box. With roots in Godly Play and Deep Talk, Out of the Box is another hands-on storytelling movement. I am grateful for their recent influence on Moving Stories.
Are you curious to experience Moving Stories or to learn how to be a Moving Storyteller guide? I am here to help you with your next steps.
Sue Carroll Duffy, Psy.D., RPT-S, BCN
Creator of Moving Stories®