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Story Weavers

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Lesson Plan

Story Weavers Lesson Plan

Students will collaboratively craft a multi-part story—planning, writing, and sharing—to strengthen teamwork, creativity, and communication skills.

Shared storytelling builds empathy and collaboration by valuing every student’s perspective while practicing narrative structure and public speaking.

Audience

Grades 4–6

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Guided group exercises and rotating story segments.

Materials

Story Weavers Slide Deck, Collaborative Narrative Activity Sheets, Chart Paper, Marker Pens, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Project the Story Weavers Slide Deck slide defining “collaborative storytelling.”
  • Briefly discuss why teamwork in storytelling is valuable.
  • Present today’s goal: build one story in parts.

Step 2

Brainstorm Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • In groups of 4–5, students write story elements (character, setting, problem) on sticky notes.
  • Post notes on chart paper and quickly categorize similar ideas.
  • Each group selects one idea from each category to develop.

Step 3

Drafting the Beginning

15 minutes

  • Distribute the first page of the Collaborative Narrative Activity Sheets.
  • Groups write the opening scene, introducing characters and setting.
  • Encourage drawing a small sketch or adding descriptive details.

Step 4

Building the Middle and End

15 minutes

  • Rotate each group’s sheet clockwise. New group reads the beginning and writes the middle plot development on page two.
  • After 7 minutes, rotate again for the final resolution on page three.
  • Use chart paper to note interesting twists or language.
  • Advanced groups can illustrate key moments; support groups can use sentence starters on the activity sheet.

Step 5

Story Sharing

10 minutes

  • Each group presents their completed story to the class.
  • Display chart paper highlights from each story.
  • Class applauds and offers one positive comment per group on collaboration or creativity.
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Slide Deck

Story Weavers

Collaborative Narrative Building
Grades 4–6 • 60 Minutes

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s lesson: collaborative storytelling. Explain that we are “story weavers” working together to build one story in parts.

Lesson Objectives

• Craft a multi-part story as a team
• Strengthen creativity and narrative skills
• Practice clear communication and collaboration

Read the objectives aloud and check for student understanding. Emphasize teamwork and communication.

Why Collaborative Storytelling?

• Builds empathy by sharing diverse ideas
• Practices narrative structure and sequencing
• Enhances public speaking in a supportive environment

Discuss why telling stories together matters. Invite one or two students to share experiences of group work.

What Is Collaborative Storytelling?

Working with others to plan, write, and present a story—each person adds to the narrative and builds on classmates’ ideas.

Define the key term and ask students if they’ve ever written a story with friends.

Brainstorm Warm-Up

  1. In groups of 4–5, write story elements on sticky notes:
    • Character
    • Setting
    • Problem
  2. Post notes on chart paper and cluster similar ideas.
  3. Select one idea from each category to develop.

Guide students through each step. Monitor groups to ensure balanced participation.

Drafting the Beginning

• Introduce main characters and setting
• Establish the central problem
• Add sketches or descriptive details

Distribute the first page of the Collaborative Narrative Activity Sheets. Circulate to support vocabulary or sketches.

Building the Middle

  1. Rotate each sheet clockwise.
  2. Read the beginning and write the middle plot development on page two.
  3. Focus on rising action and conflicts.

Explain rotation rules clearly and set a timer for 7 minutes.

Building the End

  1. Rotate sheets again.
  2. Write the resolution and closing on page three.
  3. Illustrate key moments or use sentence starters if needed.

After another 7 minutes, lead a discussion on how to wrap up stories before rotating for the final resolution.

Story Sharing

• Each group presents their completed story.
• Display interesting twists from chart paper.
• Class gives one positive comment per group on collaboration or creativity.

Encourage clear presentation and positive feedback. Remind students to listen respectfully.

Reflection & Takeaways

• How did your group work together?
• What was your favorite twist in any story?
• How can you use these skills in other projects?

Lead a brief reflection. Ask volunteers to share what they learned about teamwork and storytelling.

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Activity

Collaborative Narrative Activity Sheets

Page 1: Drafting the Beginning

Instructions: In your group, use this page to start your story. Answer the prompts below and sketch your ideas.

  1. Main Character: Who is your hero? What makes them special?



  2. Setting: Where and when does your story take place? Describe the environment.



  3. The Problem: What challenge or conflict does your character face?






Page 2: Building the Middle

Instructions: Rotate the sheet to your group. Read the beginning, then answer and expand on these prompts. You can use the sentence starters if you need help.

Prompts:

  1. What events happen as the characters try to solve the problem?











  2. How do the characters change or grow during these events?











Sentence Starters (optional):

  • "Suddenly, ..."
  • "Meanwhile, ..."
  • "To respond to this, ..."

Page 3: Writing the End

Instructions: Rotate one more time. Read the middle, then finish the story by resolving the problem and closing the narrative.

Prompts:

  1. How is the problem resolved?











  2. What lesson did the characters learn?











  3. Write a closing sentence or two that wraps up your story.











Sentence Starters (optional):

  • "In the end, ..."
  • "Finally, ..."
  • "As a result, ..."

Feel free to add small sketches or doodles in the margins to bring your story to life!

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