Twisty Town
Twisty Town is a free storytelling adventure platform for Pre-K through 5th grade. Four integrated experiences — writing, reading, watching, and exploring — all on any device with a browser.
Twisty Town features map to standards across all four areas — not just writing.
| Standard | Description | Twisty Town Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CCSS W.K.3 | Use drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event | Storyspinner: Draw + Tell canvas with story prompts |
| CCSS RL.K.10 | Actively engage in group reading activities | Library: Illustrated read-alouds; Treehouse: Video read-alouds |
| CCSS SL.K.5 | Add drawings to descriptions for additional detail | Storyspinner: Drawing canvas with stamps and colors |
| CASEL | Self-Awareness: Identify emotions and personal strengths | Storyspinner: Feelings wheel; StoryQuests: Emotional choices |
| Standard | Description | Twisty Town Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CCSS W.1.3 / W.2.3 | Write narratives with sequenced events, details, and closure | Storyspinner: Story Train (First / Then / Finally) |
| CCSS RL.1.2 / RL.2.2 | Retell stories and determine the central message | StoryQuests: Branching narratives with cause-and-effect; Library: Discussion-ready stories |
| CCSS SL.1.4 / SL.2.4 | Describe people, places, things with relevant details | Storyspinner: Word bank with hover-to-hear; Treehouse: Modeled storytelling |
| CASEL | Social Awareness: Perspective-taking and empathy | StoryQuests: Choices with consequences; Storyspinner: Feelings vocabulary |
| Standard | Description | Twisty Town Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CCSS W.3.3 – W.5.3 | Write narratives with dialogue, description, pacing, and sequence | Storyspinner: Five-part Story Architect with dialogue prompts |
| CCSS RL.3.9 – RL.5.9 | Compare and contrast stories, themes, and genres | Storyspinner: Remix + genre packs; Library: Multiple titles for comparison |
| NGSS ETS1.A/B | Define problems and develop solutions within constraints | Storyspinner: Constraints as design brief; StoryQuests: Problem-solving paths |
| ISTE 1.4 / 1.6 | Innovative Designer / Creative Communicator | All four areas: Digital storytelling, creative expression, and media literacy |
| CASEL | Responsible Decision-Making: Making constructive choices | StoryQuests: Branching consequences; Storyspinner: Moral dilemmas in twists |
Start here: twistytown.com — students can explore all four areas from the home page.
Jump to writing: twistytown.com/generator.html opens the Storyspinner directly. Add ?grade=3 to lock a grade level.
Story time: Open the Library or Treehouse on your class projector for read-alouds and brain breaks.
Independent reading: StoryQuests are self-paced — perfect for literacy centers or early finishers.
Works everywhere: Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, desktops — any browser, no app to install.
Print student work: The Storyspinner's "Print My Story" button creates a clean printable with the student's story and earned badges.
Theme packs: Use the Storyspinner's Theme Pack dropdown to focus on Adventure, Science/STEM, Community, Fantasy, or Feelings/SEL.
Want to kick off Twisty Town with a bang? Invite Mr. Twisty for a live comedy magic assembly — his high-energy "Reading is an Adventure\!" show gets the whole school laughing, moving, and excited about stories. After the assembly, Mr. Twisty does grade-level classroom visits to introduce the platform hands-on and get kids fired up about their own adventures.
10,000+ shows • 45+ years • BOCES approved (NY schools save 60-80%) — www.mrtwistyassemblies.com