Middle School Stories Mentor Packet (2021-22)

Session 3: Brainstorm Prompts PLAY Mentor Story Share Purpose: To emphasize the importance of obstacles in stories and for mentors to model vulnerability for the writers.

Instructions: 1. Share a story with the group about a time you had a goal and an obstacle got in the way.

2. In your group, share the first version of the story, which will include character, setting, goal, and a part of the resolution. Just share the goal you had, where you were, who you were at the time this happened in their life, and whether you achieved your goal. Do not share the obstacle that stood in the way.

3. After sharing, ask your writers what they thought of the story. a. Was it interesting? b. Is there anything else that can be added to make it a more engaging story?

4. Then reshare the story with the obstacle. Include how the obstacle got in your way, how it made you feel, and how you dealt with the obstacle to try to achieve the goal.

5. After sharing the last version of their story, ask their writers what was different about this version and how it created a richer story for them (the audience)?

The Thing Is Purpose: To help and encourage writers to brainstorm and share their goals and obstacles.

Instructions: 1. Writers will go to page 10 in their workbooks and review the 3 goals they brainstormed last week.

2. In their groups, they will each share their goals to the group and then say “but, the thing is...” and then describe 1 thing that has gotten in the way of their goal.

3. The teacher will model this step for the group first. a. Share structure: [Goal] but, the thing is [obstacle(s)/thing(s) that get in their way]. b. Example (if needed for clarity): “I really want to work for Netflix when I grow up, but, the thing is lots of people want to work there and I don’t think I am confident enough to get a job there.” i.

Goal: To work for Netflix ii.

Obstacle(s): A lot of people want to work there, lack of confidence 4. Before starting to share sharing, have the group come up with a word or phrase that everyone is going to say after someone shares to support the person who just shared. a. It could be something like - “I hear that!” or “I feel you!”.

5. Your teacher may model this game first. Then, begin the game in your group by sharing your goals and potential obstacles.

6. Facilitate the rest of the game so that each writer has a chance to share.

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