Facilitator’s Storytelling Guide (Word-for-Word Script)

Teacher: “Alright everyone, thank you for settling back in. Now it's my turn to share a story that follows the same four-part framework you’ve just learned.

I’m going to tell you about a time I felt nervous, worked through a challenge, grew from the experience, and discovered something important about myself. Listen carefully, and see if you can spot each part: Setting, Challenge, Growth, and Takeaway. Ready?”

[Setting]
Teacher: “This happened when I was in sixth grade—so about your age—at my very first middle school cross-country meet. The sun had just come up, and the air was cool. I was standing on a grassy field with almost a hundred other runners. I remember looking around and seeing the bleachers full of families and coaches. My heart was pounding because I didn’t know anyone, and everything felt huge and new.”

[Challenge]
Teacher: “When the starter gun fired, I took off with the group, but very quickly I realized I was out of my comfort zone. My legs burned, and I was gasping for breath. About halfway through the two-mile course, I looked down and saw I was in the very back of the pack. I felt embarrassed and thought, 'Everyone is way better than me.' My chest tightened, and I almost stopped.”

[Growth]
Teacher: “Then I thought about something my coach had said: ‘Run your own race.’ So I took a deep breath, slowed my pace to something I could manage, and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I reminded myself of how I’d trained—early morning jogs around my neighborhood. With each step, I told myself: ‘You’ve got this.’ By the time I reached the last quarter mile, I wasn’t first—but I wasn’t last anymore. I passed two other runners by telling myself positive things and listening to the cheers along the sidelines.”

[Takeaway]
Teacher: “When I crossed the finish line, I realized something important: growth happens when you push through discomfort, one step at a time. I learned that even if you start at the back, you can find your own pace and keep moving forward. That day, I discovered I’m more persistent than I thought, and I carry that lesson with me whenever I face something new.”

Teacher: “Okay, that was my story. Let’s pause for a moment. Who noticed the Setting? …[Pause for student response]… Who saw the Challenge? Who can point out the Growth part? And finally, who heard my Takeaway?

Feel free to raise your hand or simply call it out. I’ll write your answers on the board.”

Teacher: “This model shows how each element works together. As you share your chapters, try to bring in vivid details, be honest about your feelings, and end with a clear insight. Now, get ready to share one of your stories with the group!”

My Life Chapters Prompts Journal

Use this journal to brainstorm and flesh out your personal stories. Identify meaningful events in your life and use the Narrative Identity Framework to reflect on each one.

Step 1: List 3–4 Key Life Chapters

Write a brief title or phrase for each chapter you want to explore. These can be moves, achievements, challenges, or any time you learned something important about yourself.

1. Chapter 1: _______________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Chapter 2: _______________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Chapter 3: _______________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Chapter 4 (optional): _____________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Step 2: Develop Your Narrative for Each Chapter

For each chapter above, use the four elements below to build a clear, reflective story. Leave space to write your responses.

Chapter 1: [Your Title]

1. Setting
Describe when and where this happened, who was there, and what the scene looked or felt like.

2. Challenge
What obstacle or difficult moment did you face? How did it make you feel?

3. Growth
What actions, skills, or support helped you work through the challenge? How did you change?

4. Takeaway
What lesson or insight did you gain? How does it shape who you are today?

Chapter 2: [Your Title]

1. Setting

2. Challenge

3. Growth

4. Takeaway

Chapter 3: [Your Title]

1. Setting

2. Challenge

3. Growth

4. Takeaway

Chapter 4 (Optional): [Your Title]

Use this space if you want to add a fourth chapter.

1. Setting

2. Challenge

3. Growth

4. Takeaway

Share & Connect Circle Discussion Prompts

Purpose

Foster empathy, active listening, and positive feedback by giving each student a chance to share a personal narrative chapter and receive supportive responses from peers.

Guidelines

• Listen quietly while your classmate speaks. No interruptions.
• Respond using “I” statements (e.g., “I noticed…,” “I’m curious about…,” “I appreciate…”).
• Keep feedback kind, specific, and focused on strengths or questions for clarity.
• Honor confidentiality—what’s shared here stays here.

Structure (15 minutes)

1. Speaker’s Turn (1–2 min):
   • The selected volunteer reads one chapter of their narrative (Setting → Challenge → Growth → Takeaway).
2. Peer Responses (2–3 min):
   • Each peer chooses one of the prompts below to either ask a question or offer an observation.
   • Aim for 2–3 responses per share.
3. Rotate:
   • Invite the next volunteer. Continue until time is up or 3–4 stories have been shared.

Response Prompts

Choose one to guide your feedback:

1. Connection Prompt
   • “I related when you said… because I’ve felt the same way.”
2. Question Prompt
   • “I’m curious: what was going through your mind when…?”
3. Strengths Prompt
   • “I noticed your perseverance when you….”
4. Insight Prompt
   • “What stood out to me was your takeaway about….”

Follow-Up Points for Teacher

• Highlight moments of genuine vulnerability and growth.
• Praise students for asking thoughtful questions and giving supportive observations.
• Encourage students to jot down one idea they learned from a peer’s story in their journal or on a sticky note.

Highlight of the Day Cool-Down Cards

Use these cards to capture a positive insight or feeling from today’s workshop. Give each student one card. They can write or draw on the back, then share if they’re comfortable.

Card 1: Reflect
Prompt: Write one positive insight you gained today.

Card 2: One Word
Prompt: Choose one word that describes how you feel after sharing your story.

Card 3: Symbol of Growth
Prompt: Draw a symbol or image that represents your growth during this workshop.

Card 4: Self-Appreciation
Prompt: Write one thing you appreciate about yourself after today’s session.

Closing: Invite a few volunteers to share their cards (optional). Thank everyone for their honesty and remind them to keep reflecting on their stories.