In Thursday’s lesson, we analyzed how to tell a story, shared our ideas with a partner, and created a grading rubric for the storytelling project. Drawing inspiration from the book Moth, Mitch highlighted the metaphor of “stepping stones” in the narrative process. Recognizing the challenge of navigating the middle of the “story puzzle,” we’ve identified three essential elements for a compelling story: scenes, summaries, and reflection.

We embraced the principle of “show, don’t tell,” and the inclusion of examples to portray characters or events. We also discussed the fine line between humor and stand-up, and we’ve explored the potential of humor as a storytelling tool, referencing Hannah Gadsby’s “Nanette” comedy special.

In our collaborative groups, we’ve delved into refining our stories, using strategies like detailing every aspect to enhance narrative impact. Looking ahead, we’ve set goals for the story project—aiming to learn more about our classmates through active listening and engagement. Our rubric includes assigning points for listening skills, story quality, and overall effort, with potential assessments like a brief test or reflective notes after each presentation.