Talking Stick Lesson Plan The Talking Stick Circle
Lesson Plan
Duration 30 Mins
Objective
Students will learn about the Indigenous tradition of Sharing Circles and talking sticks, practice active listening, and understand the importance of respectful communication within a community.
Why This Matters
Learning about Indigenous sharing circles teaches students valuable life skills like empathy and respectful communication. It ensures every voice is heard, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.
Materials Needed
Talking Stick or designated object
Talking Stick Slides
Facilitator Script
Story Reading Passage
Discussion Guide
Prep (15 min)
Prepare a 'talking stick' (decorated stick, soft ball, or stone). Arrange classroom seating into a circle. Have slide deck ready to project.
Lesson Flow
5 min
Introduction to Sharing Circles
Use the Slide Deck and Facilitator Script to introduce Indigenous Sharing Circles. Explain what they are and why they are used. Show the physical talking stick.
5 min
Story: The Talking Stick
Read "The Story of the Talking Stick" aloud. For older students, have them take turns reading. Discuss the values of the story (patience, listening with the heart).
15 min
Circle Practice & Discussion
Transition to the circle. Establish rules: only the stick-holder speaks, others listen. Use low-stakes prompts (e.g., "What are you looking forward to today?") to practice.
5 min
Cool Down: One Word Wisdom
Conclude by passing the stick one last time. Each student shares one word reflecting their feelings or what they learned about listening.
Talking Stick Slides The Talking Stick Circle
Welcome to Our Circle!
Today, we're going to learn about a very special tradition from Indigenous cultures. It's all about listening to each other!
What is a Sharing Circle?
It’s a special way to share ideas and feelings together.
Everyone gets a chance to speak from their heart.
Everyone else listens carefully and respectfully.
Magic of the Talking Stick
"Only the person holding the talking stick can speak."
1
When you hold it, it's your turn to share.
2
When you don't have it, it's your turn to listen.
Rules of the Circle
Only One Voice
Speak only when you hold the stick. Give the stick your full attention.
Listen with Your Heart
Pay close attention to what your friends are sharing.
Respect Everyone
Listen even if you don't agree. Everyone's voice is important.
Speak Your Truth
Share what's truly on your mind when it's your turn to hold the stick.
A Story to Share
"Now, let's hear a story about the talking stick to understand why it's so special and how it helps us listen and share."
Our Very Own Circle
It's our turn to practice!
1
Form a circle so we can all see each other.
2
Remember our rules for the Talking Stick.
3
Share your thoughts and listen to your friends.
It's always okay to pass if you aren't ready to speak.
Listen & Learn!
The Talking Stick teaches us that every voice is important, and listening is a powerful gift.
Let's use our listening ears and respectful voices every day!
Circle Complete
Talking Stick Facilitator Script Talking Stick Script
Facilitator's Guide
Part 1: The Welcome
Display Slide 1: Welcome
Teacher Action: Stand at the front, holding the talking stick visibly but not yet using it.
Teacher: "Welcome, everyone! Today we're going on a special learning journey. We're going to explore an amazing tradition from Indigenous cultures that helps people share their thoughts and feelings in a very respectful way. It's called a Sharing Circle, and it often uses something very special: a talking stick."
Display Slide 2: What is a Sharing Circle?
Teacher: "Imagine we all sit in a big circle. A Sharing Circle is a special way for a group of people to talk and listen to each other. It means that when one person speaks, everyone else listens really, really carefully. Why do you think it's important for everyone to listen when someone is speaking?"
Allow a few student responses, encouraging them to think about respect and understanding.
Part 2: The Magic & Rules
Slide 3: Magic of the Stick
Teacher Action: Hold up your prepared talking stick.
Teacher: "In many Indigenous cultures, especially in North America, they use a 'talking stick' or a similar special object during their Sharing Circles. This isn't just any stick; it's a very important tool. See this? This is our talking stick. When someone is holding the talking stick, it means it's their turn to speak, and everyone else's turn to listen. It gives their voice extra importance and reminds everyone else to be fully present."
Slide 4: Rules of the Circle
Teacher: "To make sure our Sharing Circle works well and everyone feels safe and heard, we have a few simple rules:
Only One Voice: When I hold the stick, I speak. When you hold it, you speak.
Listen with Your Heart: Try to understand what they are saying.
Respect Everyone: Even if I don't agree, I still listen.
Speak Your Truth: Share your honest thoughts from your heart.
"Does anyone have questions about these rules? How do these rules help make sure everyone feels heard?"
Part 3: The Story & Practice
Slide 5: A Story to Share
Teacher: "Now that we understand the basics, let's hear a special story that truly shows us why the talking stick is so powerful. This story is called 'The Story of the Talking Stick'. As we read, think about what the talking stick teaches the people in the story."
Read the Story Reading Passage aloud. Afterward, ask: "What did the village learn about speaking and listening?"
Slide 6: Our Very Own Sharing Circle
Teacher Action: Guide students into a circle on the floor or in chairs.
Talking Stick Reading Passage The Story of the Talking Stick
A Tradition of Listening
Long, long ago, in a village nestled beside a great river, people sometimes found it hard to talk to each other. When problems arose, many people would try to speak at once. Voices would get loud, and often, no one felt truly heard.
The wise Elder of the village saw this. She noticed how good ideas were sometimes lost, and how disagreements grew bigger because people weren't listening.
One day, the Elder walked deep into the forest. She searched until she found a beautiful branch that had fallen from an old, strong tree. It was smooth in her hand and had interesting patterns. She brought it back to the village.
She gathered everyone in a large circle. "My friends," she said, holding up the branch, "this is a very special stick. We will call it the Talking Stick. From this day forward, when we gather to share, only the person holding this stick may speak."
She continued, "When you hold the Talking Stick, it is your turn to share your thoughts, your feelings, or your story. Everyone else, when you do not hold the stick, it is your sacred duty to listen. Listen with your ears, listen with your eyes, listen with your heart. Wait until the stick is passed to you to share your own wisdom."
At first, it was a little strange. People were used to interrupting or speaking out. But slowly, a change happened. When someone held the Talking Stick, everyone else grew quiet. They leaned forward, listening carefully to every word.
When it was their turn, people spoke more thoughtfully. They knew they had everyone's full attention. They felt brave to share what was truly on their minds.
Soon, the village became a place where everyone felt heard and respected. Problems were solved more easily. Joyful stories were shared, and everyone felt more connected. The Talking Stick helped them remember that every voice was important, and that true understanding came from both speaking with intention and listening with an open heart.
And so, the tradition of the Talking Stick continued, teaching generation after generation the power of a single voice and the gift of listening.
Who is allowed to speak in the circle?
How does the village change after they use the stick?
Talking Stick Discussion Guide Our Sharing Circle
Discussion Prompts & Reflection Guide
Teacher Note: Remind students of the Talking Stick rules before beginning. Encourage them to speak from the heart and listen respectfully. Remind them that it's always okay to say "pass" if they don't wish to speak.
Practice Prompts (1-2 to start)
1. "What is one thing you know about Truth and Reconciliation Day (or Orange Shirt Day)?"
Teacher notes on student responses...
2. "What is one kind thing you did or saw someone do recently?"
Teacher notes on student responses...
Deeper Reflection (For older students)
"What does it feel like to hold the Talking Stick and have everyone listen to you?"
"What does it feel like when you are listening carefully to someone else speak?"
"How can listening carefully help us be better friends or classmates?"
"What is one thing you learned today about speaking or listening respectfully?"
One Word Wisdom Cool Down Activity One Word Wisdom
Our Sharing Circle Reflection
Objective
To encourage students to reflect on the lesson and articulate their key takeaway or feeling in a concise, powerful way.
Time Required: 5 Mins
This is the final activity of the lesson. Keep the energy calm and focused as you pass the stick for the last time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Gather in a Circle
Ensure everyone is settled. "Fantastic work in our Sharing Circle today! To wrap up our lesson, we're going to do a quick 'One Word Wisdom' cool-down."
2
Share One Word
"When I pass the talking stick to you one last time, share just one word that describes how you feel, or one word you learned about listening."
"Example: 'Respect,' 'Voice,' 'Calm,' or 'Heard.' I'll start with mine..."
3
Affirm and Close
As the stick travels around, listen to each word. Close by saying: "Thank you all! These words show how much we've learned about the power of our voices."
Example Wisdom Words
Listening Respect Voice Calm Heard Fair Community Important
