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Summer Stories Circle

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Lesson Plan

Summer Stories Circle Lesson Plan

Facilitate a 30-minute circle where 4th graders share summer experiences, practice speaking/listening skills, and build community by using prompt cards and a talking object.

Easing the transition back to school with positive peer interactions strengthens classroom community, boosts confidence in public speaking, and reinforces active listening strategies.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Structured sharing rounds with guided prompts.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials & Space

15 minutes

  • Print and cut Summer Stories Prompt Cards
  • Review prompts to familiarize yourself with questions
  • Arrange chairs or cushions in a circle to ensure all students face each other
  • Place the talking stick in the center and test the timer or stopwatch

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Invite students to sit in a circle and introduce the talking stick as the speaking tool
  • Explain that each person will share a summer memory when they hold the stick
  • Model by sharing your own brief summer story (30–45 seconds)
  • Review active listening norms: eye contact, nodding, no interruptions

Step 2

First Sharing Round

8 minutes

  • Pass the talking stick clockwise; each student draws a prompt from Summer Stories Prompt Cards
  • Set timer to 1 minute per speaker; students share based on their prompt
  • Teacher tracks time and gently cues when to pass the stick

Step 3

Second Sharing Round

8 minutes

  • Continue passing the talking stick to remaining students or allow a second share for volunteers
  • Encourage listeners to raise a hand if they had a similar experience
  • Reinforce turning taking and respectful listening

Step 4

Group Reflection

5 minutes

  • Facilitate discussion:
    • “What common themes did you notice?”
    • “How did it feel to share and listen?”
  • Record key ideas on chart paper to highlight connections

Step 5

Closing and Transition

4 minutes

  • Thank students for sharing and listening respectfully
  • Highlight one positive takeaway (e.g., new connection, fun fact)
  • Explain next activity and dismiss the group
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Slide Deck

Summer Stories Circle

• Reconnect and share summer experiences
• Practice speaking and listening skills
• Build classroom community

Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s Summer Stories Circle. Explain that we’ll be sharing summer memories to build community and practice speaking/listening.

Listening Norms

• Keep eyes on the speaker
• Nod or give thumbs-up to show you’re listening
• No interruptions—wait your turn
• Respectful responses only

Review and model each norm. Ask students to suggest one new listening norm.

First Sharing Round

• Pass the talking stick clockwise
• Draw a prompt card when it’s your turn
• You have 1 minute to share
• Teacher will cue when to pass

Explain how students will draw a prompt card when they get the talking stick. Demonstrate by drawing one yourself.

Sample Prompt Cards

• What was your favorite summer activity?
• Tell us about a trip you took
• Share a fun thing you cooked or baked
• Describe a new skill you learned

Display sample prompt cards on the screen so students know what to expect. Encourage them to look forward to their turn.

Second Sharing Round

• Continue passing the talking stick
• Volunteers may share a second story
• Listeners raise hand if they had a similar experience

Invite volunteers for a second share or pass to remaining students. Notice and acknowledge similar experiences by raising hands.

Group Reflection

• What common themes did you notice?
• How did it feel to share and listen?
• Record key ideas on chart paper

Facilitate discussion by reading student ideas and recording them on chart paper. Highlight common themes.

Closing & Transition

• Thank you for sharing and listening!
• Highlight one fun fact or connection
• Next: [Introduce next activity here]

Thank the class for participating. Spotlight one positive connection you observed. Transition smoothly to the next activity.

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Activity

Summer Stories Prompt Cards

Use these prompt cards during your Summer Stories Circle. Students draw one card when they hold the talking stick and share their answer aloud.

  1. What was your favorite summer activity and why?



  1. Describe a trip you took or place you visited.



  1. Who did you spend the most time with this summer? Share something you did together.



  1. Tell us about a book you read or a movie you watched over break.



  1. What new skill or hobby did you learn, and how did you practice it?



  1. Share a fun or funny moment that happened this summer.



  1. What was the most surprising thing you experienced over the break?



  1. Describe a meal or treat you enjoyed making or eating.



  1. If you could relive one day of your summer, which would you pick and why?



  1. What was the hottest or coldest day you remember, and what did you do?



  1. Share a moment when you helped someone or someone helped you.



  1. What’s one outdoor game or sport you played, and what did you like about it?



  1. Tell us about an animal or nature experience you had this summer.



  1. Describe something that made you laugh or smile every day.



  1. What are you most excited to do now that school has started again?
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Cool Down

Reflection Exit Ticket

Please take a moment to reflect on our Summer Stories Circle. Answer the following questions before you leave:

  1. How did sharing your summer story make you feel?






  1. What is one new thing you learned about a classmate today?



  1. Why is it important to listen respectfully when someone else is speaking? Provide one example from today.






  1. What are you most looking forward to this school year?



  1. Any additional thoughts or feedback about today’s circle?



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