Consumer Experience Storytelling Circle

Activity 1: Building consumer awareness through shared experiences

Activity Overview

Students share personal and family experiences with products and services in a supportive circle format, building awareness of consumer issues and introducing key vocabulary.

Consumer Awareness
Storytelling
Vocabulary Building
Community Building
Duration: 45 minutes
Group Size: Whole class circle
Materials: Chart paper, markers, story prompts
Assessment: Participation observation

Story Prompt Examples

"Tell about a time when something you bought didn't work properly"

"Describe when a service didn't meet your expectations"

"Share about returning or exchanging an item"

"Discuss a positive customer service experience"

Story Sharing Setup

Circle Guidelines (10 minutes):

  • • Arrange students in comfortable circle
  • • Explain confidentiality and respect rules
  • • Provide story prompt cards for inspiration
  • • Emphasize listening and support
  • • Allow students to pass if uncomfortable

Experience Sharing

Guided Discussion (25 minutes):

  • • What happened with the defective product?
  • • How did it impact your household?
  • • What did you/your family do to resolve it?
  • • What was the outcome?
  • • How did you feel during the experience?

Concept Introduction

Vocabulary Building (10 minutes):

  • • Record key issues on chart paper
  • • Introduce: consumer, rights, responsibilities
  • • Define: redress, warranty, guarantee
  • • Connect experiences to consumer protection
  • • Preview upcoming learning activities

Assessment and Differentiation

Assessment Focus:

  • • Student engagement in circle discussion
  • • Quality of shared experiences
  • • Understanding of consumer issues
  • • Respectful listening and support
  • • Vocabulary comprehension

Differentiation Strategies:

  • • Provide story prompt cards for shy students
  • • Allow drawing instead of verbal sharing
  • • Pair ELL students with supportive peers
  • • Offer alternative participation methods
  • • Use visual vocabulary supports