PeaceVerse · Grades 3–5 · Phase 3: Story Design Studio
My Dilemma Planning Sheet
Finding the story worth telling · Lesson 12
Grade
3, 4 & 5
Format
Fillable Digital Sheet
Lesson Time
Author Studio · 45 min
Outcome
One Dilemma Sentence
🪄
Every great story starts with a moment — something that happened, something that mattered, something that changed someone. Today you're not solving a problem or writing a story yet. You're just finding the story inside your own life that is worth telling. Drawings, key words, and short phrases are all great. Take your time — there's no wrong answer here.
1
Brainstorm My Moments
think of 3 real moments that mattered to you
What is a dilemma?
A dilemma is a hard choice or situation where a person has to decide what to do. The choice can feel tricky because more than one side matters, and the answer is not always easy. A dilemma can involve feelings, friendships, fairness, safety, or doing what is right. In stories, dilemmas are important because they show us what a character cares about and help us understand the choices they make. (You don't have to write anything here — just read!)
3–5 real moments from my life
They don't have to be dramatic. They just have to matter to you. Write or draw — one moment per card.
A time I had to make a hard choice…
A time someone was left out…
A time I had to be brave…
A time I stood up for someone…
1
Moment One
What happened?key words or drawing
Why did it matter to me?
2
Moment Two
What happened?key words or drawing
Why did it matter to me?
3
Moment Three
What happened?key words or drawing
Why did it matter to me?
2
Go Deeper on My Top Moment
the one you starred
How did it make me feel?
Feelings Word Bank — tap to pick
nervousleft outangry
scaredexcitedconfused
proudworriedbrave
hopefulsadrelieved
hurtunsure
What did I have to decide?
The hard choice — where both sides mattered.
3
Pick the Story Worth Telling
which moment pulls you most?
A good PeaceVerse story has a real dilemma you care about. Which moment feels most like your story? Choose one.
Why this one?
4
My Dilemma Sentence
the heart of your story
Finish this sentence — this becomes the heart of your story:
…choose between my friends and doing the right thing.
…felt left out and had to decide what to do.
…had to be brave even though I was scared.
My superpower I will use to solve this dilemma is:
My superpower belongs to:
💚HeartVerse
Caring, belonging, courage, and emotional safety
🧠MindVerse
Thinking, learning, creativity, and wise choices
💛EmpathyVerse
Understanding others, working together, and helping people
⚖️JusticeVerse
Fairness, responsibility, and building a better future
Draw or doodle the moment
✏️Draw the moment your story is about
5
Conversation
talk it through with a partner
Tell your partner about your top moment. Talk through your ideas together.
What is the challenge your story will explore?
Why does this challenge feel important to you?
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