Who's Got the Story? Script

Introduction (3 minutes)

"Hey everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to do something a little different to help us get to know each other better. We have [New Boy's Name] joining us, and even for those of us who have been in group together, there's always more to learn about each other. Building connections and understanding each other is super important for our group to work well and for us to feel comfortable talking to each other."

"We're going to play a game called 'Who's Got the Story?'"

Explaining the Game (4 minutes)

"Here's how it works: I'm going to give us a prompt – it might be something like, 'What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?' or 'What's a talent you have that most people don't know about?'"

"When I give the prompt, each of us will take a turn sharing a TRUE, short personal story from our lives that fits that prompt. It's not about being super long, just sharing a real experience."

"The main goal is to listen to each other and learn new, interesting things. No pressure, just share what you're comfortable with. I'll start with an example story after we go over the prompts."

"Are there any questions about how we'll play?"

(Pause for questions)

"Okay, great. Let me give you an example. If the prompt was, 'What's the best advice you've ever received?', my story would be: 'The best advice I ever got was from my grandmother. She always told me, 'Always try to leave things better than you found them.' It stuck with me because it applies to everything, whether it's a room, a relationship, or even just a conversation.'"

Playing the Game (10 minutes)

"Alright, let's jump in!"

(Refer to the Who's Got the Story? Game Cards or use the prompts from the Who's Got the Story? Activity. Pick a card or state the prompt clearly.)

"Who wants to start, or should I pick?"

(Facilitate the sharing. After each person shares, you can ask a brief, open-ended follow-up question to encourage a little more detail or connection, like:)

• "That's interesting, what was that experience like for you?"
• "How did that make you feel?"
• "What did you learn from that?"

(Ensure all three boys get a chance to share for each prompt. Keep the pace moving but allow for genuine connection. Aim for 2-3 rounds depending on time and how much sharing occurs.)

Cool-down & Wrap-up (3 minutes)

"Great job, everyone! It was really cool hearing all those stories. We learned some pretty neat things about each other today."

"Before we finish up, I'd like each of you to share one new thing you learned about another group member today. And then, briefly, how do you think getting to know each other like this helps our group?" (Refer to Who's Got the Story? Cool Down)

(Allow each student to share. Affirm their responses.)

"Awesome! Thanks for being open and sharing your stories. This kind of sharing really strengthens our group and helps us feel more connected. I'm looking forward to our next session."

Who's Got the Story? Activity

Welcome to "Who's Got the Story?" – a fun way for us to get to know each other better! We all have unique experiences and stories that make us who we are. Today, you'll get a chance to share some of yours!

How to Play:

1. Listen for the Prompt: Your teacher will give a prompt, like "What's a food you secretly love?" or "What's the best advice you've ever received?"
2. Share Your Story: Take a moment to think of a true, short story from your life that fits the prompt. It should be something that really happened to you.
3. Take Turns Sharing: Each person will get a chance to share their story with the group.
4. Listen Actively: While others are sharing, listen carefully! You might learn something surprising or connect with someone's experience.

Why We're Doing This:

Sharing stories helps us understand each other better. It builds trust and makes our group a stronger, more welcoming place for everyone. It's especially great for [New Boy's Name] to get to know you, and for you to learn about him!

Example Prompts (We'll use these and more!):

• What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
• What's a skill you have that might surprise people?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
• What's a small act of kindness someone showed you that you still remember?
• What's your favorite way to relax after a busy day?

Who's Got the Story? Game Cards

(Teacher: Print these out and cut them into individual cards, or simply use them as verbal prompts.)

Card 1

Prompt: What's the most interesting thing you did last summer?

Card 2

Prompt: What's a hidden talent you have?

Card 3

Prompt: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Card 4

Prompt: What's a food you absolutely love, and why?

Card 5

Prompt: What's a small act of kindness someone showed you that you still remember?

Card 6

Prompt: What's your favorite way to relax or de-stress?

Card 7

Prompt: What's a goal you have for yourself this year?

Card 8

Prompt: Describe a time you felt really proud of something you accomplished.

Card 9

Prompt: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Card 10

Prompt: What's a hobby you enjoy or would like to try?

Who's Got the Story? Cool Down

Take a moment to think about the stories you heard and shared today.

1. What's one new, interesting thing you learned about a group member today?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How does getting to know each other through activities like this help our group?