activity:

story threads

weave metaphors into shared meaning

objective:

reflect on personal strengths and roles through symbolic metaphors to open with warmth and connection.

instructions:

  1. form a large circle or online group.
  2. invite each person to introduce themselves: name, role, and what excites them most about their work
  3. prompt them to reflect on their strongest contribution to a learning ecosystem
  4. share symbolic examples to inspire reflection:
    • a deep-rooted oak
    • a resilient cactus
    • a sprawling banyan tree
    • water (flow, flexibility)
    • fire (passion, energy)
    • earth (grounding, stability)
    • air (openness, expansion)
  5. ask each participant to select a metaphor that represents them.
  6. in miro (or physically), have them place their metaphor visually in a shared space.
  7. invite popcorn-style sharing to notice patterns and themes.

optional:

close with a 2-minute self-assessment or reflective journaling on their metaphor and role.

Activity Length:
Format:
  • in-person
  • online
Activity Type:
  • Getting to know each other
Skills Developed:
  • Agency
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creative Thinking
  • Curiosity
  • Generating Creative Ideas
  • Openness
  • Perspective Taking & Empathic Concern
  • Self-Directed Learning