Module 4 Processing the Personal Narrative Exchange

This section of the Listening from the Heart facilitator guide focuses on helping students process their experiences after hearing personal narratives. The goal is not to debate or reach agreement, but to explore emotions, needs, and perspectives in a safe and constructive way.

Teachers are given step-by-step activities that move from individual reflection (writing down first impressions and journaling) to small group exploration (unpacking feelings, identifying needs, and recognizing shared humanity). A key emphasis is on using tools like the Feelings and Needs Charts to help students articulate what’s behind their reactions.

Later activities guide the group into evaluating their listening skills—asking how well they were able to hear views they disagreed with—and an extended discussion that deepens the dialogue and connects insights back to their own communities.