Story Shop: Designing Local Shops to Meet Community Needs

Students introduce themselves to the partner class, then list the everyday needs of customers in their own community. They discuss which shops or restaurants already meet those needs.

In small teams, students draw and build their own mini shop or restaurant with puppets and paper props. They plan how each feature serves a customer need from their community.

Teams write a short story in which their puppets show how the shop works for customers. They practice the story together and assign roles so every member speaks.

Each team performs its puppet story for the partner class during a live video call. Listeners note features they like and questions they have for the team.

Students compare the partner class feedback with their own design and sort it by which customer needs it addresses. They decide, with kindness and empathy, which changes to make.

Teams update their shop using local ideas and partner feedback, then perform an improved story for the whole class. They reflect together on how their teamwork and listening changed the design.