Storytelling and the Future: Hope Inspires Action | A Brief History of the Future

Storytelling is used everyday to inspire new perspectives on the future and shape the actions people take today. Through case studies taken from A Brief History of the Future, students are introduced to people around the world who are using new narratives to create better tomorrows for themselves and their communities. These key examples from the video clips help build student understanding of how intentional storytelling can shape our future by guiding our actions now. This lesson then gives space for students to discuss their ideas and perspectives about present day society versus ways it could function in the future.

Students have the option to complete a creative journaling project inspired by a societal issue they’d like to change in their local communities. The project asks students to create a new narrative and write a journal entry from the perspective of someone living in a world where that societal system was drastically improved.

This lesson aims to inspire students to recognize that storytelling and imagination can help them play a part in making the future brighter for themselves and those coming after them.

About the Author

Former militant, angry protester turned reconciler, Cora Davis’ life has been transformed by the principles of nonviolence. She teaches middle school students that their voices matter by fighting for her own and she has created an effective after school (and weekend and lunch hour and anytime) club for the “at risk” students otherwise falling through the cracks of the system. She believes a willingness to look at ourselves first is the key to bringing unity to the hurting world around her and is now convinced we cannot fight hate if it is in us, no matter how justified it is. She teaches 6th grade at a homeschool co-op in Georgia. She loves music, poetry, art and justice. She hates a boring classroom and looks for opportunities every day to teach her students how they can make a positive impact in the world around them.