52 Weeks Of Storytelling And The First 4 Prompts
Somehow it’s already been a month! The last 4 weeks have flown right on by with a video dropping every week and getting the word out about the 52 Weeks of Storytelling Video Series. This article recaps the last 4 prompts with the videos embedded right here and a quick overview of each one. You will also find links to the journals and activity programming options.
Table of Contents
A Few of My Favorite Things
You are going to notice a theme as you work through this article. All of the prompts have to do with a favorite thing. This theme will continue for a few more weeks as we cover easy to think about moments and memories. I've found that when people think about their favorite thing it's mostly easy to come up with something to share. focusing on your favorite things can help you dig into deeper, more meaningful, and emotional memories slowly.
Working with someone else
Following this method of interviewing and storytelling with someone else allows you to build rapport and create a stable connection. This means that your Storyteller will be more likely to share harder, more emotional memories later. This relationship-building takes time and shouldn't be rushed whenever possible. If you are working with a grandparent, parent, or someone else you love, you may be able to skip some of these but I still encourage you to start with the favorites.
Journals
You didn’t think I would leave you without a map, did you? I’m using the 52 Ways to Write Your Story in a Year With Guided Prompts to guide the prompts every week. You can grab it as a printable PDF from Etsy or head over to Amazon and order a hot-off-the-press bound copy.
Week 1 of 52 Weeks of Storytelling – Favorite Season
Week 1 was all about your favorite season. This meant thinking about why you like the season you do. Is it the activities? Is it the smells? Is it the holidays? Starting a conversation off with “What is your favorite season” is a great way to get everyone’s brain rolling and thinking about memories in a new way. Check out the video and write down a few thoughts!
Listen
Week 2 of 52 Weeks of Storytelling – Favorite Recipe
Week 2 was writing all about your favorite recipe. This meant thinking about your favorite in a whole new way. Starting a conversation off with “What is your favorite recipe” is a great way to get everyone’s brain rolling and thinking about memories associated with cooking in a whole new way. Check out the video and write down a few thoughts!
Week 3 of 52 Weeks of Storytelling – A Childhood Memory You Love of Love to Hate
In week 3, we tackled writing about a childhood memory you love or love to hate. This prompt tends to trip people up so if you get stuck, watch the video to help you think through all the components. I also include a personal example to give you an idea of what I was thinking about. This prompt was inspired by all the conversations with people who were hesitant to share some childhood memories but loved laughing about them once they got started.
Week 4 of 52 Weeks of Storytelling – Favorite Relationship
In week 4, we wrote about a favorite memory of a significant other or being single. This prompt challenges your way of thinking when it comes to relationships. Also, trying to choose a favorite memory for this prompt proved to be difficult for some. Remember that you can use these prompts over and over again. You aren't tied into just one memory. I love seeing how different memories bleed into and connect with other moments. Check out the video and write down a few thoughts!
Playlist
Check out the playlist to catch up on all the videos or binge your way through your writing.
What now?
Looking for that thing to help you keep your storytellers engaged and talking? For the writers in your care, this journal will keep them talking for a good long while. Encourage them (if they can) to reach out via phone or video to family members and share the memories they write about.
This journal was designed for storytellers in their sunset years who are ready to write about and share their memories. Simple to use and elegant enough to keep around to remind you of them long after they are gone.
About the Author
Gael Gilliland is the founder of The Legacy Recorder, where she helps families and communities preserve meaningful stories across generations. She has personally trained over 80 students and staff in her Legacy storytelling method, then managed large-scale projects pairing these trained storytellers with over 100 residents in care facilities to capture and publish their life stories.
Through her innovative approach to intergenerational storytelling, Gael creates deeper connections between people of different life stages while restoring human dignity through the power of shared stories. Her methods are now used globally by countless families seeking to preserve their legacies. Learn more about Gael's work.
