Curious Stance Teacher Guide The Curious Stance
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: 1 of 5
Topic: Narrative Questioning
Grade: 11th Grade
Lesson Overview
This introductory lesson shifts students away from the "expert" role (giving advice) toward the "collaborator" role (asking curious questions). The goal is to develop a "de-centered but influential" posture—where the speaker's story remains the center of the conversation, but the listener's questions guide the exploration.
Learning Objectives
Define the "Not Knowing" stance in Narrative Therapy.
Practice active listening without interjecting personal experience.
Differentiate between advice-giving and de-centered questioning.
Materials Needed
Curiosity Compass Worksheet
The Curious Stance Slides
Timer/Stopwatch
Instructional Steps
Hook
10 MIN
The "Not Me" Interview
Students pair up. One student interviews the other about a hobby or passion for 3 minutes. However, the interviewer cannot use the words "I," "Me," or "My," and they cannot give any advice or relate the topic to themselves.
Debrief Question: How did it feel to be restricted from talking about yourself? How did it change the focus of your questions?
Direct
15 MIN
Defining "Not Knowing"
Use the Curious Stance Slides to introduce the concept of "De-centered but Influential." Explain that the counselor is not the "expert" on the client's life; the client is. Curiosity is the main tool.
"De-centered": The listener's opinions/life take a backseat.
"Influential": The listener's questions help the speaker see things they hadn't noticed before.
Practice
20 MIN
The Curiosity Compass
Distribute the Curiosity Compass Worksheet . Students work individually or in pairs to convert "Advice Stems" into "Curiosity Questions."
Example: "You should just tell them how you feel" → "I wonder what would happen if those feelings were put into words?"
Exit
5 MIN
One Curious Breath
Have students write down one thing they are genuinely curious about regarding a peer's story that they wouldn't have thought to ask before this lesson.
Scaffolding
For students struggling with question formation, provide a "Question Bank" of stems: "How did you manage...?", "What was it like when...?", "Tell me more about...?"
Extension
Challenge advanced students to identify "advice in disguise"—questions that are actually trying to lead someone to a specific answer (e.g., "Don't you think you should...?").
Curious Stance Slides The Curious Stance
The Art of Not Knowing
The "Not Me" Game
Interview a partner for 3 minutes about a passion.
The Forbidden List:
No "I", "Me", or "My"
No advice-giving
No stories about yourself
Focus 100% on their world, not yours.
De-centered but Influential
De-centered
Your personal opinions, stories, and expertise take a "backseat." You are not the expert on their life; they are.
Influential
Your questions guide the conversation. You choose which paths to explore, helping them see new possibilities.
The Shift
Advice-Giving Narrative Curiosity "You should try..." "What would happen if...?" "If I were you, I'd..." "What made that choice right for you?" "Don't worry about it." "How does that worry impact your day?"
"I don't know the answer, but I'm excited to help you find yours."
Curiosity assumes that the speaker has skills and knowledge that are hidden. Your job is to be the detective of strengths .
Curiosity Practice
Grab your Curiosity Compass worksheet.
Worksheet Task 1
Curiosity Compass Worksheet Curiosity Compass
Navigating Stories through the "Not Knowing" Stance
Name:
Date:
1
The Advice Trap
Read the responses below. Some are advice-giving (centered on the listener) and some are curious (centered on the speaker). Check the "Advice" or "Curious" box for each.
"I think you should just try to ignore them; it's not worth the drama."
Advice
Curious
"What was going through your mind when you decided to take that stand?"
Advice
Curious
"If I were you, I would have asked for a deadline extension immediately."
Advice
Curious
2
The Curiosity Flip
Rewrite these common advice-giving responses into genuine curiosity questions. Avoid telling the person what to do or how to feel.
Advice: "Don't worry, everyone feels that way on their first day."
Advice: "You need to be more confident next time you speak to them."
Advice: "Just forget about it and focus on your homework instead."
3
Your Curiosity Toolkit
Create three question "stems" that you can use in any conversation to invite the other person to tell you more without you taking over the story.
A.
B.
C.
Pro-Tip: Curiosity isn't about getting the "right" information. It's about opening up "story-territory" that the speaker might have forgotten or overlooked.
Action Landscapes Teacher Guide Action Landscapes
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: 2 of 5
Topic: Landscape of Action
Focus: Chronology & Steps
Tracking the Story
In Narrative Therapy, the Landscape of Action consists of the specific events, sequences, and circumstances that make up a story. This lesson teaches students to look past "what" happened to "how" it happened, focusing on the agency of the person in the story.
Key Skills
Sequencing events chronologically.
Identifying "Unique Outcomes" (exceptions to the problem).
Formulating "How" questions.
Essential Vocabulary
Landscape of Action: The "theatre" of the story (events, people, time).Agency: The ability of a person to act intentionally.
Instructional Steps
Hook
10 MIN
The Silent Investigator
Teacher Note: You can use any short clip of someone successfully completing a complex physical task (e.g., a short Rube Goldberg machine, a chef making a difficult dish, an athlete's highlight).
Play the clip twice. Students must write down 10 questions that focus only on the physical steps, timing, and sequences they observed. No questions about feelings or thoughts yet!
Direct
15 MIN
Mapping the Landscape
Use the Action Landscapes Slides . Explain that stories aren't just one big event; they are a series of small choices and movements. To help someone, we must understand the "geometry" of their success.
The Three W's of Action:
What led up to the moment?Who else was present or aware?When did the person first decide to take the step?
Workshop
20 MIN
The Action Map
Students use the Action Map Worksheet . They take a "problem story" (e.g., "I failed my math test") and find the "Action Landscape" of a time it didn't happen or they managed to study even a little bit.
Key Facilitation Questions
"How did you prepare yourself for that moment?"
Focuses on the deliberate steps taken before the event.
"What was the very first sign that you were moving in a different direction?"
Action Landscapes Slides Action Landscapes
Tracking the "How" behind the Story
The Silent Investigator
Observe the Actions
The Challenge:
Write down 10 questions that focus ONLY on the physical steps, timing, and sequences of the action.
"What happened first? Where were the hands placed?"
What is the "Landscape of Action"?
Events
The specific things that happened in the story, linked through time.
Sequences
The order of operations. How one action led into the next.
Agency
The intentional choices the person made along the way.
Exceptions to the Rule
"A story isn't just what always happens. It's also what almost happened or what did happen just once."
In Narrative Therapy, we call these Unique Outcomes . These are moments when the "problem" didn't win.
Detective Questions:
"Was there a time when you almost gave in, but didn't?"
"How did you manage to take that first step?"
"Who saw you make that move?"
Map the Movement
We are not looking for feelings (yet). We are looking for the blueprint of how a person navigates their world.
Step-by-Step
Chronological
Resourceful
Workshop: The Action Map
Pick a story where you successfully navigated a small challenge.
Your Mission:
List the chronological steps of the event.
Identify the "Unique Outcome" moment.
Draft 5 questions that help someone else "re-watch" the tape.
Action Map Worksheet The Action Map
Landscape of Action: Events, Sequences, and Choices
Investigator:
Date:
?
The Silent Investigation
As you watch the silent video, draft 5 questions that focus strictly on the physical actions, sequences, or time observed. Do not ask about feelings.
!
The Blueprint of Agency
Think of a time you successfully navigated a challenge (even a small one). Map the Landscape of Action below by focusing on the specific "geometry" of the event.
The "Unique Outcome" Event:
Briefly describe the moment you acted with agency or resilience.
The Sequence of Steps:
STEP 1: THE PREPARATION
STEP 2: THE TURNING POINT (What happened next?)
STEP 3: THE FOLLOW-THROUGH
>
Action Questions Toolkit
If you were interviewing yourself about this success, what questions would help reveal the "hidden steps" of your resilience?
Questions about People:
Questions about Timing:
Landscape of Action Protocol Narrative Quest // Lesson 02
Conscious Meanings Teacher Guide Conscious Meanings
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: 3 of 5
Topic: Landscape of Consciousness
Focus: Values & Commitments
The Inner Story
While the Landscape of Action tracks what happened, the Landscape of Consciousness tracks the internal world that made those actions possible. This lesson helps students ask questions that uncover the values, beliefs, and commitments that drive human behavior.
Key Skills
Linking actions to internal values.
Identifying "intentions" and "commitments."
Developing empathy through structural inquiry.
Essential Vocabulary
Intentions: The "why" behind the "what."Values: Things that are precious to the person.Commitments: What the person is dedicated to upholding.
Instructional Steps
Hook
10 MIN
Interrogating the Chicken
Write the classic riddle on the board: "Why did the chicken cross the road?"
Instead of the punchline, students must generate 5 "Consciousness Questions" for the chicken. These questions must assume the chicken had a value or a commitment that forced it to cross the road.
Example: "What was so important on the other side that you were willing to risk the traffic?" or "What value were you standing up for by taking that journey?"
Direct
15 MIN
Dual Landscapes
Use the Conscious Meanings Slides . Introduce the "Landscape of Consciousness" as the mirror to the "Landscape of Action." For every action mapped in the previous lesson, there is a corresponding value in this landscape.
The Narrative Question Stem:
"What does that action say about what you value or what you stand for in your life?"
Workshop
20 MIN
The Meaning Maker
Students work with the Meaning Maker Worksheet . They take a case study (or their own "Unique Outcome" from Lesson 2) and perform an "archaeological dig" to find the values buried beneath the actions.
Teacher Insight: The Power of Values
When we ask about values, we help the speaker connect to their sense of self. It transforms a "random lucky break" into a "deliberate act of integrity." This is where the story becomes truly transformative for the speaker.
Conscious Meanings Slides Conscious Meanings
The Landscape of Consciousness
The Chicken's Crossing
"Why did the chicken cross the road?"
In this class, we aren't looking for a punchline. We are looking for the chicken's values , intentions , and hopes .
Your Task:
Ask the chicken a question that assumes it had a deep reason for its journey.
The Inner Landscape
What it IS:
Values & Beliefs
Intentions & Hopes
Commitments to life
What it ISN'T:
Diagnostic labels
Advice-giving
Surface feelings
Linking the Two Worlds
Landscape of Action
"You decided to turn off your phone and study for 30 minutes."
THE EVENT
Landscape of Consciousness
"What does that choice say about the commitment you have to your future?"
THE MEANING
Question Stems for the Soul
"What was it that was important to you in that moment?"
"What does that action tell me about what you stand for ?"
"How does that choice reflect the kind of person you want to be?"
Workshop: Meaning Maker
Time to dig deeper. Take your Meaning Maker worksheet and begin the "excavation" of values.
Meaning Maker Worksheet Meaning Maker
Landscape of Consciousness: Values, Beliefs, and Commitments
Excavator:
Date:
1
Interrogating the Chicken
Draft two questions for the road-crossing chicken that assume it has a deep internal intention or value .
2
The Archaeological Dig
Look at the Landscape of Action (Step 1) and try to "dig up" the buried Landscape of Consciousness (Step 2) for each scenario.
Landscape of Action (The Event) Landscape of Consciousness (The Value) "I stayed up late to help a friend study even though I was tired." Buried Value: "I decided not to join in when everyone was making fun of a classmate." Buried Commitment:
|
| "I went back to practice my instrument even after a frustrating lesson." | Buried Hope/Intention:
|
3
Your Hidden Treasures
Take the "Unique Outcome" event you mapped on your Action Map worksheet. Excavate the consciousness behind it.
The Action (Recap):
The Commitment (Why did it matter?):
The Identity (What does this say about the "Real You"?):
Landscape of Consciousness Protocol Narrative Quest // Lesson 03
Witnessing Wisdom Teacher Guide Witnessing Wisdom
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: 4 of 5
Topic: Outsider Witness Protocol
Focus: Structured Response
The Art of Feedback
In Narrative Therapy, "Outsider Witnesses" are individuals who listen to a story and provide structured feedback. This isn't praise or advice—it is resonance . This lesson teaches students how to validate another person's story without "colonizing" it with their own opinions.
The 4-Step Protocol
Expression: Identifying a specific phrase.Image: Visualizing the story.Resonance: Connecting to shared values.Transport: Identifying how the listener was changed.
Key Mindset
"The goal is not to fix the speaker, but to let the speaker know their story has moved the listener."
Instructional Steps
Hook
15 MIN
The Fishbowl Demonstration
Invite two students (or a student and yourself) to have a brief 5-minute conversation in the center of the room. The speaker shares a story of a small success or resilience. The rest of the class are "Witnesses."
Instruction: "While you listen, write down one specific phrase that caught your ear. Do not think about what to say next; just listen for that phrase."
Direct
15 MIN
Breaking Down the Protocol
Use the Witnessing Wisdom Slides to explain the four steps. Emphasize that "Transport" is the most important step—how did the speaker's story change the listener's perspective on their own life?
Practice
20 MIN
Witnessing in Triads
Divide students into groups of three: Speaker, Interviewer, Witness .
Speaker: Shares a brief story of overcoming a challenge.Interviewer: Uses "Not Knowing" and "Landscape of Action/Consciousness" questions.Witness: Completes the Witness Protocol Handout and then shares their four-step response at the end.
Common Pitfalls
"The Applause Trap"
Pitfall: "You did such a great job! You're so brave!"
Correction:
Focus on
Outsider Witness Slides Witnessing Wisdom
The Outsider Witness Protocol
The Fishbowl
Two people speak.
The rest witness.
"Listen for one specific phrase that stands out to you. Don't plan your response yet."
Resonance, Not Applause
Praise (Centered on You)
"Wow, you're so strong! I could never do that. You're amazing."
Result: The speaker feels watched or evaluated.
Witnessing (Centered on Story)
"That phrase 'choosing the hard way' really resonated. It reminded me of..."
Result: The speaker feels their story has moved someone.
The Protocol: Part One
1
Expression
Identify the specific phrase that caught your ear.
"The expression that stood out was..."
2
Image
What mental picture did that story paint for you?
"The image that came to mind was..."
The Protocol: Part Two
3
Resonance
Connect the story to your own values or experience.
"I connect to that because I also value..."
4
Transport
How has hearing this story moved you or changed you?
"Hearing your story has moved me to..."
Triad Practice
Split into groups: Speaker, Interviewer, Witness .
Interviewer: Ask Action & Consciousness questions.
Witness Protocol Handout The Witness Protocol
Outsider Witness: Structured Resonance for Collaborative Stories
Witness:
Speaker:
As you listen to the speaker, your job is not to judge, praise, or advise. You are listening for how their story touches your life . Use the four steps below to structure your response after the interview is complete.
1
Identifying the Expression
Sentence Starter: "As I was listening, the expression that really caught my ear was..."
2
Evoking an Image
Sentence Starter: "Hearing that brought to mind an image of..."
3
Finding Resonance
Sentence Starter: "I was drawn to that because of a value I share, which is..."
4
Acknowledging Transport
Sentence Starter: "Knowing this about your story has moved my thinking about my own life to..."
NO ADVICE NO PRAISE JUST RESONANCE
Narrative Quest // Lesson 04
Final Re-Authoring Teacher Guide The Final Re-Authoring
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: 5 of 5
Topic: Synthesis Simulation
Focus: Mastery & Application
The Capstone Experience
This final lesson is a mastery simulation. Students combine the de-centered curious stance with the dual mapping of action and consciousness. They will help a peer "re-author" a minor life challenge by discovering hidden agency and values.
Simulation Goals
Conduct a 15-minute re-authoring interview.
Identify a "Unique Outcome" in a real story.
Link actions to values without giving advice.
Safety Note
"Remind students to choose 'low-stakes' mysteries or challenges (e.g., a time they were nervous for a presentation, or a minor disagreement). Avoid heavy trauma for this classroom exercise."
Instructional Steps
Hook
10 MIN
The Mystery of the Successful Moment
Ask students to think of a "mystery" about themselves: "Why was I able to handle that difficult situation so well when I usually struggle with it?"
Today, their partner will be the "Lead Detective" (Interviewer) helping them solve the mystery using narrative questioning.
Setup
10 MIN
Roadmap to Re-Authoring
Distribute the Re-Authoring Conversation Log . Walk through the structure:
Opening: Position the problem outside the person.Action: Map the steps of the successful exception.Consciousness: Link those steps to a core value.Future: Look at what this means for next time.
Lab
30 MIN
Full Conversation Simulation
Round 1 (15 min): Student A Interviewer, Student B Speaker.
Round 2 (15 min): Swap roles.
Circulate the room. Listen for "Not Knowing" vs. "Expert Advice." Gently nudge students back to curiosity if they start giving solutions.
Mastery Checklist
No advice given
Identifies a "Unique Outcome"
Asks "How" (Action) questions
Asks "Value" (Consciousness) questions
Maintains de-centered stance
Documents the "New Story"
Final Re-Authoring Slides The Narrative Quest
The Capstone Re-Authoring Simulation
Solving the Mystery of "You"
"Why was I able to handle that difficult situation so well when I usually struggle with it?"
This is a mystery. Your partner is the Detective of Agency . Their goal is to find the clues (actions) and motives (values).
Choose a Moment:
A time you felt resilient, stood up for yourself, or handled a challenge surprisingly well.
The Synthesis Toolkit
De-centered Stance
Stay curious. No advice. Let their story be the absolute center.
Action Mapping
Trace the steps. How did they prepare? What was the first move?
Meaning Making
Link actions to values. What does this say about who they are?
The Re-Authoring Path
01
EXTERNALIZING: Give the problem a name.
02
EXCEPTIONS: Find a time they stood up to it.
03
LINKING: Connect the action to their values.
Simulation Guidelines
15 Minutes per Round
Focus on the "Meaning Maker" section. That's where the story changes.
Safety First
If the story gets too heavy, take a breath and pivot back to the "Exception."
Interviewer Pro-Tip:
"What was it about your value for integrity that led you to that choice?"
Quest Complete
"The person is not the problem. The problem is the problem."
Simulation starts in 3... 2... 1...
Re-Authoring Conversation Log Re-Authoring Log
Capstone Mastery Simulation: Processing Through Narrative
Interviewer:
Partner:
1
Externalizing the Problem
External Name:
What name does the partner give the difficulty? (e.g., "The Fog of Doubt", "The Wall of Procrastination")
Effects of the Problem:
How does it try to impact their life?
2
Landscape of Action (The Exception)
Identify a "Unique Outcome"—a time the person stood up to the problem.
Pre-Step (Preparation):
The Turning Point Choice:
Follow-Through Action:
3
Landscape of Consciousness (The Meaning)
Underlying Value:
"What does that choice tell you about what is important to you?"
Commitment:
"What are you standing up for in your life when you take that action?"
4
Re-Authoring the Future
Ask one final question about how this "Unique Outcome" might change their next encounter with the problem.
The "Preferred Story" Statement:
Re-Authoring Conversation Protocol Narrative Quest // Synthesis Capstone
