It’s a new week and there’s a new Storytelling School with The Moth! Because of social distancing in response to COVID-19, a large number of schools all around the world are closed, so The Moth’s Education program is publishing these storytelling activities to help parents and educators with some at-home curriculum. Come hang out again on Friday, and as always, thanks for your support!
The story is:
“Real Men Don't Rob Banks” by Liel Leibovitz
You can read the transcript of Liel’s story here.
After you’ve watched and read the story, you can do the following activities:
1. Talk to each other about Liel’s story.
For each post, we’ll highlight a different crafting strategy for how to make your story compelling. This week, we highlight: SHOW VS. TELL. We tell our storytellers to give us vivid examples rather than using generic descriptions so that your story is specific and personal. Liel could simply tell us his dad was “macho” and leave it to our subjective idea of what “macho” means to each of us as listeners, but instead he gives us such a rich understanding of what “macho” means to him.
What are some moments Liel ‘shows’ instead of ‘telling’ us about his father that help us understand his character and their relationship?
Last week, we talked about CHANGE as a Moth story crafting strategy. How does Liel use the beginning and ending of his story as bookends that SHOW us the CHANGE in this story?
2. Write or tell your own story.
At The Moth, we believe in celebrating the diversity and commonality of human experience. Often, listening to someone’s story will remind us of a story from our own lives. While you almost definitely have not had Liel’s exact experience, it still may have reminded you of a story from your own life. Get inspired by these prompt questions to tell your own story!
Tell us about a time you learned something about a parent or guardian that surprised you.
Tell us about something you were taught by a parent or guardian and how it has shaped you.
Tell us about a time you redefined expectations.
Tell us about a childhood hero.
Tell us about a time you were your own hero.
3. Activity
Have you ever wished you had a secret identity? Create a superhero or super villain alter ego for yourself! What would your super powers be? What would your costume look like? How would you catch the bad guy? Or how would you rob a bank? Design your superhero with this template:
4. Share this post with a friend!
The Moth Education Program works with young people and educators to build community through storytelling workshops, performances and innovative resources. To learn more, visit themoth.org/education
The Moth Education Program is made possible by generous support from The Kresge Foundation, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the Kate Spade New York Foundation, and Alice Gottesman.
Additional program support is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the New York State Council on the Arts, ConEdison, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.