Shoebox Story . Feedback and Reflection

A guide for sharing your objects


Purpose


• To begin the storytelling / feedback process.
• Encourage students to make connections between objects and memories.
• To simplify stories to core essence.


Activity


Bring in a shoebox (or small container) with six to ten objects photographs which represent your personal exploration of the connection between objects and stories in your life. If you don’t yet know your story, just trust the process and bring your shoebox, objects and photographs and let us help you discover the stories embedded in your sharing.


You may approach this assignment in any way that feels most comfortable to you. There is no right or wrong way. If you know the story that you want to tell, choose 6-10 objects which will help you to share that memory or story with the group. If you don’t know what story you want to tell, focus on personal memories and/or objects which may trigger ideas for your final story.


Bring the objects to our next class meeting along with a 100 - 600 word story connecting the objects in your box. In five to ten minutes, share your story. Tell us about your objects and how they reflect your memories, personal values, stories, or aspects of your life.


Following your presentation, we will have a feedback session. Feedback sessions will take up to fifteen minutes.


Remember to reflect and fill out your preparation for feedback form/questions below. When presenting this story to the class bring it with you to your feedback session.






Please answer the below questions to prepare for your feedback session


1. Who is your intended audience for this story?


2. What basic questions about the story do you want answered during the feedback session?


Reflecting on the feedback


3. What was the most important thing you heard about the strength of your story?


4. What specific ideas will you take away that will help you in the development of your story?






“If you want to know your past, examine your present conditions. If you want to know your future, examine your present actions.”
–Buddhist Saying