Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Activity 2: Writing Khadija's Story

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Paper and pens/pencils for all participants

Preparation for Activity

  • Read Alternate Activity 1, Role Play Khadija's Story. If you have time, use it to extend this activity into a more elaborate role play.
  • Decide how you will form groups of three (or four).
  • Distribute paper and pencils or pens to each participant.

Description of Activity

Tell the children this is an opportunity to write the story they just heard from Khadija's point of view. They will work in groups of three and, when they are done, they will have an opportunity to share their work with the larger group. Suggest that they create a conversation between Khadija and Mohamed to read aloud as a script.

Say something like:

Ask yourselves what was difficult about standing beside Mohamed. What do you think Khadija's family said to her? Where do you think she got her strength? What might a conversation between Khadija and Mohamed have been? Between Khadija and another family member or a friend? Feel free to imagine this. Consider these and other ideas as you write together.

Arrange children in groups of three to write. Allow about five minutes. Then regather the groups and invite them to present their stories or scripts.

Discuss this activity:

  • How did it feel to tell this story from Khadija's perspective?
  • Did anything surprise you about what it must have been like to be Khadija?
  • Would you do the same thing if you were in Khadija's situation? Why or why not?