Enhancing Narrative Retention with the ‘One Line, One Story’ Exercise
Research shows that using a single continuous line to represent a story can significantly enhance students’ understanding and retention of narrative elements. This technique, known as the ‘one line, one story’ exercise, involves students listening to a story and drawing a continuous line that evolves with the narrative’s progression. The line’s shape and movement reflect the story’s emotional and action-based elements, helping students to visually and kinesthetically connect with the content.

Educators often find that this method not only aids in memorizing the story but also encourages students to engage more deeply with the narrative’s structure and emotional arcs. For instance, a teacher might narrate the tale of ‘The Sword of Damocles,’ guiding students to draw a line that starts calmly, becomes erratic when the sword is introduced, and then returns to calm as the protagonist escapes danger. This exercise transforms passive listening into an active, creative process, making the learning experience more memorable and impactful.