1. Arrange the class into a circle of chairs so that you are all facing each other.
  2. Having completed one of the previous activities (Truth vs Lie, Know the Terms, Pinteresting, Jeopardy) and reflecting on the story you watched, discuss as a class what visual storytelling means to you and how it impacts our world.
  3. Your teacher will stay out of the conversation, they are just there to observe. Do not direct any questions to them.
  4. It’s not necessary to raise your hand during the discussion, just have a conversation with your peers. Let it flow naturally.
  5. When someone asks a question, or provides an observation, build your discussion around that comment first before starting a new idea.
  6. At the end of the conversation, summarize what you discussed.
  7. Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak.

Questions to get you started:

  • These questions are just a guide in case you are stuck.
  1. How do you define visual storytelling?
  2. How do you tell a good story?
  3. What different storytelling styles exist? Which styles do you think are most effective?
  4. Why is research a universal skill necessary in good visual storytelling?
  5. Who do you think tells good nature stories? Why do you like them? Why might someone else not like this storytelling style?
  6. How does visual storytelling impact nature? How does that impact you?
  7. Does nature matter? Should nature play a bigger role in visual storytelling? Why or why not?
  8. Why are good, important stories hard to tell and even harder to get people interested in consuming?

Strategies for Classroom Discussion

Questions to keep in mind throughout this course:

  1. What is the one issue you’d like to address in your community, province or country that could help balance the needs of people and nature?
  2. What is one roadblock that prevents this issue from being resolved?
  3. What would you do to overcome this roadblock and create that better balance?