Lesson 3

Narrowing Down Whose Story to Tell

• Generate ideas for whose story to tell
• Develop criteria for narrowing down story ideas
• Identify two potential story ideas to explore further

This may take 2 lessons because students will need to research, talk to parents and ask around the neighbourhood to identify 2 or more persons of interest.The first lesson can be a general brainstorming. In the second lesson, you can ask students to present the ideas they have come up with about whose story to tell. You can list all ideas on the board and help students narrow down 1-2.

• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Writing materials (paper, pencils, etc.)
• Prepare a list of important people who make a difference in society (Resource: Better India)

• Begin the lesson by explaining the importance of choosing whose story to tell in writing.
• Encourage students to think about people they admire, find interesting, or feel inspired by, as these can be potential sources of storytelling.
• The teacher shares 3-5 ideas from these stories: Resources: The Logical Indian & (Better India)

1. Prework: Ask each student to come prepared with several ideas for whose stories they would like to tell.
2. Give students time to share their ideas with a partner or in small groups.
3. Discuss the importance of considering different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences when choosing whose story to tell.

1. Teachers share: Story Project Phase 1 – Guiding Document 23-24 Create a list of criteria on the chart paper or whiteboard to help students narrow down their story ideas.
2. Criteria may include relevance, impact, personal connection, uniqueness, or potential for engaging storytelling.
3. Engage students in a discussion about the criteria and guide them in understanding their significance.
4. Students may need to now brainstorm, research and find people of interest whose stories they wish to tell. You can stop the lesson here, assign this as homework and come back for the next class to continue.

1. Every student should have brought 2-3 ideas with them about whose story they wish to tell  based on their homework
2. List these on the board and have students give reasons or explain their choices/suggestions.
3. Remind them that they have to INTERVIEW the person whose story they wish to tell, so they should have access to that person. Also that person should be willing to sign a consent form to have their name, photos and story published on a public forum.

• Have each group choose two story ideas they find most compelling from their initial list.
• Provide writing materials and ask students to spend a few minutes jotting down key points or reasons why these two ideas stand out.

• Summarize the process of generating and narrowing down story ideas.
• Encourage students to reflect on the two ideas they have selected and consider which one resonates with them the most.
• Remind students that choosing whose story to tell is an exciting and important decision that can greatly impact their writing journey.

• Create a supportive and respectful atmosphere for sharing ideas.
• Encourage students to think outside the box and consider stories beyond famous figures or celebrities.
• Provide guidance and ask thought-provoking questions to help students critically evaluate their ideas.
• Remind students that their chosen story should be something they feel passionate about and connected to, as it will make the writing process more enjoyable and meaningful.