Storytelling as a bridge to overcome fear

DESCRIPTION:

Storytelling is a great school activity that encourages language development and introduces new vocabulary for children.

OUTCOMES:

• Enhancing the creative ability to use narrative and linguistic skills.
• Increasing self-confidence by accepting certain events and overcoming fear.

DURATION: 20 minutes

MATERIALS:

• Paper
• Pen

SKILLS RELATED:

• Managing fear
• Overcoming negative thoughts

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Step 1: The learners read about the following situation: 'A rabbit got lost in the field and can't find his home to return to... Night falls suddenly, and the rabbit seems very scared being alone.’
• Step 2: Pupils are asked to close their eyes and imagine the rabbit alone, scared, running across the field of dry grass and with the night that falls suddenly.
• Step 3: They should practice their narrative and linguistic skills and they have to think and describe what they would do if they were around the rabbit and saw it as scary and afraid.
• Step 4: In a free discussion, the children narrate what solutions they found. They can even write down their ideas and read them. How did they manage fear in the story? Was it hard? Was it easy?

Tips:

• Do not force children to think about a real situation they were afraid of unless they agree. Fearful situations can generate anxious states even now!
• While they tell the solutions found, pay attention to how they managed the fear of the rabbit and what linguistic vocabulary they use to express their solutions.

REFLECTION:

• What would I have done if I were the rabbit?
• Is fear difficult to manage in critical situations?
• When I am afraid, who is the first person I contact?