| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 9 |
| What topic | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To engage students in the concept of storytelling and its significance in understanding human experiences.
Materials Needed:
Instructions:
Story Jar Setup: Place the jar at the front of the classroom. Explain to the students that inside it, there are empty slips of paper waiting to be filled with narratives.
Icebreaker Prompt: Invite each student to anonymously write down a brief story or memory that has had a significant impact on their life. They can draw from personal experiences, family tales, or even fictional inspirations. They should aim for a sentence or two—just enough to convey the essence of the story.
Sharing & Discussion: After all the students have contributed stories to the jar, randomly select a few slips to read aloud (without naming the authors). As you read each story, pause to discuss with the class:
Reflective Thought: Conclude the activity by asking students to reflect silently for a moment. Prompt them with the question: "What story do you have yet to tell?"
This activity not only warms up the class but sets the stage for the day's lesson on narrative techniques in literature.
By acknowledging the power of personal stories, students will be more open to exploring how authors use storytelling elements—such as character development, setting, and plot twists—to create engaging narratives.
The Story Jar activity emphasises that every person has a story worth sharing. This lesson will not only enhance their narrative skills but also foster empathy and understanding within the classroom.
For their next assignment, challenge students to write a short story that incorporates a key theme from one of the shared stories, encouraging them to apply what they've learned about narrative structure.