Culture Snapshot Quiz

Reflect on your cultural experiences by answering the questions below. Write in complete sentences.

1. Describe a tradition or custom your family practices. What does it involve, and why is it meaningful to you?

1. Recall a time you felt proud of your cultural background. What happened, and how did it shape your sense of identity?

1. Think of a moment you encountered or observed a cultural misunderstanding. What did you learn from that experience?

1. List three words or phrases that capture aspects of your cultural identity.

1. How does your cultural background influence the way you see the world?

Story Circle Exchange

Students will share brief story ideas focused on global themes in rotating small-group circles. This low-stakes activity encourages quick brainstorming, active listening, and peer support.

Time: 20–25 minutes
Group Size: 4–5 students per circle

Materials:

• A timer or stopwatch
• Optional: Index cards for jotting key ideas

Instructions:

1. Form Circles (2 minutes)
   • Arrange students into small circles of 4–5.
   • Distribute index cards if using.
2. Explain the Protocol (3 minutes)
   • Each student gets 2 minutes to present their preliminary story idea:
     • Briefly describe the personal experience and its global connection.
     • State the core theme or message they hope to convey (e.g., empathy, identity, environmental awareness).
   • Circle members listen actively, then each offers one positive observation or one question for clarification (60 seconds total feedback).
3. Round 1 Sharing (10 minutes)
   • Set timer for 2 minutes per speaker.
   • After each share, allow 1 minute for peers’ feedback.
   • Students jot down insights or suggestions on their index cards.
4. Rotate & Repeat (8–10 minutes)
   • After all members share, each student moves one seat to their right (or swap circles).
   • Begin a new round of 2-minute shares with fresh peers.
5. Debrief Whole Class (5 minutes)
   • Reconvene and ask volunteers:
     • What new ideas or perspectives did you gain?
     • How did peer feedback help shape your story direction?
   • Emphasize that these early drafts are seeds for richer narratives.

Follow-Up:

• Students refine their story outlines using feedback in preparation for Day 2’s Narrative Crafting Toolkit session.
• Collect index cards if you wish to review common themes or questions.

Peer Feedback Slip

Use this slip to give structured feedback on your peer’s story outline, draft, or presentation.

Peer Name: __________________ Date: ___________ Session: (Draft/Presentation) __________

1. Strengths: What worked well? Consider theme, emotional impact, cultural details, and clarity.

1. Suggestions for Improvement: What could be clearer, more engaging, or more fully developed?

1. Cultural & Global Connection: How effectively does the story weave in global perspectives? Any ideas to deepen that connection?

1. Questions for the Author: What would you like to know more about? Where do you need clarification?

1. Overall Feedback (One-Sentence Takeaway):

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback!

Global Stories Teacher Script

This word-for-word script guides you through all four 75-minute sessions of the “What’s Your Global Story?” unit. Use time checks to stay on track, exact prompts to engage students, and transitions to keep the momentum.

Day 1: Culture Snapshot & Story Brainstorm (75 minutes)

Materials: Culture Snapshot Quiz, index cards (optional), timer

0–5 min | Welcome & Warm-Up
Teacher says: “Good morning, everyone. Take out a pen and this morning’s handout: the Culture Snapshot Quiz. You have five minutes to complete it silently.”

Teacher sets timer for 5 minutes.

(Wait time: 30 seconds)

5–15 min | Whole-Class Discussion
Teacher says: “Let’s pause. Who would like to share one insight from question 2—when you felt most proud of your culture? [Pause for hands.]
Thank you, Maya. You described how your family dance tradition shaped your identity. How might that connect to understanding others?
[Acknowledge responses.]”

Teacher transition: “These reflections help us see the power of personal stories in global contexts.”

15–20 min | Unit Introduction
Teacher says: “Over the next four days, you’ll craft and present a personal narrative that weaves your experience with global themes like empathy or social justice. At the end, you’ll share your polished story with peers.”

20–25 min | Example Story
Teacher says: “Here’s a brief example from a former student: ‘When I first tried kimchi at my friend’s home, I learned that food can be a bridge between cultures…’ Notice how they set the scene and hinted at a theme of connection. Any observations?”

25–50 min | Story Circle Exchange
Teacher says: “Now we’ll do the Story Circle Exchange. Form groups of four or five. Each of you will have two minutes to share a story idea and one minute of feedback.”

Teacher circulates, sets timer for 2 + 1 minutes per student, and rings bell at rotation.

50–55 min | Debrief
Teacher says: “Let’s regroup. Who can share a new perspective or question that emerged? [Call on 2–3 students.] Great—notice how your peers’ feedback can deepen your story.”

55–60 min | Reflection & Transition
Teacher says: “Tonight, refine your idea and bring it tomorrow. We’ll use the Narrative Crafting Toolkit to outline your story.”

60–75 min | Exit Ticket
Teacher says: “On an index card, write one global theme you want to explore and one question you have about your story’s direction.”
Collect cards as students leave.

Day 2: Narrative Structure & Planning (75 minutes)

Materials: Narrative Crafting Toolkit, graphic organizers

0–5 min | Welcome Back
Teacher says: “Welcome back! Please open the Narrative Crafting Toolkit slide deck. Today we’ll build your story’s spine.”

5–20 min | The Story Arc
Teacher says: “Slide 2 covers Exposition through Resolution. I’ll read aloud each element; then I want you to jot down an example from your life that fits. Ready?”

Read each element, pausing two minutes for student notes.

20–35 min | Theme Development
Teacher says: “Slide 3: What core message drives your story? Let’s brainstorm 2–3 themes—write one per sticky note.”

Circulate as students work; prompt: “How might empathy or identity play a role?”

35–50 min | Cultural Context
Teacher says: “Slide 4: Add sensory details or customs to ground your narrative. Turn to a partner and share one cultural image—a smell, a taste, an object.”

Partner share for 4 minutes; then two volunteers share aloud.

50–60 min | Model Analysis
Teacher says: “Slide 5: Here’s a short student excerpt. Listen as I read, then discuss with your table: What’s the theme? Where’s the climax?”

Read excerpt aloud; table talk for 5 minutes.
Whole-class share: call 3 groups.

60–75 min | Graphic Organizer
Teacher says: “Slide 6: Fill out the organizer sections: Hook, Setting, Key Scenes, Theme Statement, Global Connection, Climax, Resolution. You have 12 minutes.”

Teacher circulates, offers targeted support.

Teacher Closing: “Save your outline. Tomorrow we draft full stories and use the Peer Feedback Slip to revise.”

Day 3: Story Drafting & Peer Feedback (75 minutes)

Materials: Student outlines, laptops/notebooks, Peer Feedback Slip

0–5 min | Focus & Goal
Teacher says: “Today you’ll transform outlines into full drafts. Aim for a 3-page story. Ready?”

5–35 min | Independent Drafting
Teacher quietly circulates, offering one-on-one coaching: “Show me where your climax is strongest…”

Twenty minutes of writing. At 25 minutes, announce 10-minute warning.

35–40 min | Transition to Peer Review
Teacher says: “Pair up. Exchange drafts and a Peer Feedback Slip. Use five minutes per section—strengths, improvements, global connection, questions, one-sentence takeaway.”

40–65 min | Guided Peer Feedback
Teacher rings bell at 5-minute intervals, prompts next section.

65–75 min | Whole-Group Debrief
Teacher says: “What did you learn from giving feedback? [Select 2–3 students.] How will you use it in your next draft?”

Teacher Closing: “Revise tonight. Bring your polished draft to Day 4 for presentations.”

Day 4: Presentations & Reflection (75 minutes)

Materials: Revised stories, Peer Feedback Slip

0–5 min | Setup
Teacher says: “Arrange seats in a circle or set up breakout rooms. Keep your Peer Feedback Slip ready.”

5–35 min | Student Presentations (Round 1)
Teacher says: “Each of you will have up to five minutes to read or perform your story. Peers use the slip to note strengths and suggestions.”

Time each presenter; give 1-minute warning at 4 minutes.

35–40 min | Stretch Break
Students stand, stretch, refill water.

40–70 min | Student Presentations (Round 2)
Continue timing and circulating.

70–75 min | Final Reflection
Teacher says: “Let’s close. In one sentence, share what you learned about connecting personal moments to global themes.”
Call 3 volunteers.

Teacher Closing: “Your final revision and reflection questions are due next session. Thank you for sharing your global stories!”