September 21: A Story in a new world - Pt 2
Continued from last session
Assigned Teachers: Suren, Piyumika, Krishanka
Objectives:
To imagine different futures that involve nature in a big way
Creating new ecosystems, creatures, and stories
Intro
Review each diorama from last week
Say: Now we bring these worlds to life with characters and stories.
You will need:
Large paper sheets (A3 or bigger)
Pencils, erasers, sharpeners
Colored pencils, crayons, markers
Watercolors or tempera paints, brushes, water cups
Cardboard scraps
Glue, scissors
Egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, bottle caps
Natural materials (leaves, twigs, small stones, seeds)
Clay (for quick creature prototyping)
Guide
Step 1: Character & Creature Creation (20 min)
Make small figures using clay, paper cutouts, or pipe cleaners.
Prompts:
Who lives here now? (hybrid plants, magical animals, tiny explorers)
Where did they come from?
What do they want? (to survive, to explore, to discover something hidden)
Step 2: Story arc
Each group makes a simple 3-part story arc:
Before – how the character arrives in the world.
Now – what happens inside the diorama.
Future – where they are going.
Step 3: Stage Set Detailing (30 min)
Add features to diorama so characters can move through it:
Paths (bridges, tunnels, rivers).
Props (boats, ruins, doors, caves).
Movable parts (waves, trees, vines on sticks).
Step 4 – Storytelling & Stop Motion Test (15 min)
Groups narrate their story while showing how the character travels through the diorama.
Optionally film short clips (using stop-motion app + phone stand).
Tips for volunteers:
Keep it playful—kids will lean into sci-fi/fantasy. Focus on the story that happens and the characters within that world.
