Guided Imagery

First, select a piece of Guided Imagery narration; this could be something written for the content/task or found and adapted. Ideally the text is in the second person (“you” form) and includes rich sensory detail to engage students more deeply in the situation or a dilemma. Next, invite students to find a comfortable space; this can be at their seats or on the floor if appropriate. Ask students to close their eyes or look down, relax, and visualize the story as they hear it. Read the prepared narrative to the group, working to capture the tension, sensory language, and drama of the story. For example, a narration about The Diary of Anne Frank might read: You wake with a start. You can feel your father's heavy hands on your shoulders, whispering urgently. “It’s time,” he says, “Put on as many layers as you can, but remember, it must look like an ordinary day for us.” In the dark shadow of night you begin to dress. You put on three layers of socks and your heaviest boots. You put on two cotton shirts under a thick sweater. You wash your face. The cold water stings your cheeks as you look into the mirror and wonder what will happen. You leave your bed unmade. Breakfast dishes in the sink. You notice your mother has left out her knitting and the radio is on low. You walk behind your older sister and your mother and father, out your door for the last time, through the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam; you pretend to be invisible. You know that this part of your journey is the most dangerous. You can hear your mother saying a quiet, hushed prayer in Yiddish, her voice barely audible over the click of her heels on the ground. Your heart is pounding. You can feel the yellow Jewish star on your coat bending in the breeze. You see the red doorway of your father's office. A cat screeches. You freeze. You want to turn to look but can't. You mustn't look suspicious. Your father grabs your hand and draws you through the door: “We made it. We're here.”