Architects of Time

Description of the activity:

Lesson 1: Opening Activity:

Discussion on Growth Mindset and Its Application in Collective Storytelling (15 minutes)

Begin the lesson by explaining the concept of Growth Mindset, emphasizing how it can be applied in the creation of a collective story. Growth Mindset refers to the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through effort, practice, and continuous learning.

Stress the importance of this concept in historical learning and narrative creation. Pose open-ended questions to stimulate discussion among students:

• What does having a Growth Mindset mean to you?

• How can it influence how we approach challenges in historical storytelling?

• Can you share experiences where you have applied this skill during history study or in other situations?

Conclude the discussion by summarizing briefly how Growth Mindset can be applied in creating a collective story. Emphasize the importance of being open to new ideas, accepting and learning from feedback, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, and set activity goals with the students (e.g., working together to develop an engaging plot and integrating historical elements with flexibility).

Analysis of Historical Period (25 minutes):

Students explore an assigned historical period, identifying key events and significant figures.

Building Historical Context (20 minutes):

In groups, students construct historical context for the collective story, considering challenges and opportunities of the era.

Example of Lesson 1: During the construction of historical context, students might explore the Renaissance. Each group will select a different aspect, such as art, science, or politics, and create historical context by integrating the challenges and opportunities of that era.

Lesson 2: Designing the Collective Story

Introduction to Narrative Construction (15 minutes):

• Discussion on key elements of a story, such as plot, characters, and setting.

Group Work (30 minutes):

• Students, still in groups, develop a plot for the collective story, focusing on the challenges the characters will face.

Presentation and Feedback (15 minutes):

• Each group presents their narrative concept to the class and receives feedback from other students.

Example of Lesson 2: In designing the story, students might develop a plot involving historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei. The challenge will be to flexibly integrate historical facts into creative plots.

Lesson 3: Writing and Collective Reflection

Writing Activity (25 minutes):

• Students, still in groups, begin writing the collective story, focusing on collaboration and integrating historical challenges.

Revision and Editing (20 minutes):

• Groups exchange stories and provide mutual feedback to improve narrative coherence and quality.

Conclusion and Final Discussion (15 minutes):

• Discussion on individual and collective growth during the narrative creation process, highlighting the value of growth mindset.

Example of Lesson 3: During collective writing, students will need to be flexible in negotiating and adapting the plot as new ideas emerge during the creative process. Revision and editing will encourage flexibility in reflecting on necessary changes to improve the story.

Assessment:

Assessment will be based on active participation, creativity in narrative construction, the ability to apply growth mindset in collaboration and writing.

Final Notes:

This activity blends history with the "Growth Mindset" competency, encouraging students to work together in constructing a collective story. Narrative creation promotes creativity and critical reflection on personal and historical growth.