Pass-the-Story Doodle

Objective: To collaboratively build a visual story by adding to each other's doodles, enhancing creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork.

Materials:

• Blank drawing paper (one sheet per student)
• Markers or pencils (one per student)
• Timer or stopwatch

Timing: 10 minutes total (5 rounds of 1-minute doodles + transitions)

Game Rules & Steps

1. Give each student a blank sheet and a marker/pencil.
2. Round 1 (1 minute): On “start,” students doodle the beginning of a scene or character—no words, just lines and shapes.
   
   
   
3. At the end of the minute, shout “Pass!” and have students rotate papers clockwise.
   
   
   
4. Round 2–5 (1 minute each): On each new sheet, students add one element that builds on the existing doodle (e.g., new character, environment detail, action).
5. After 5 rounds, papers return to their original owners. Give students 1 minute to add a final flourish or title to their collaborative doodle.
6. Arrange students in small groups of 3–4 to share their finished doodle and propose a brief story narrative.

Debrief & Reflection Questions

• What story or scene emerged from your group’s doodle?
• Which addition surprised you the most, and why?
• How did seeing others’ contributions change your original idea?
• How can you apply this “build-on” mindset in other creative or academic tasks?

Facilitation Tip: Encourage students to celebrate unexpected twists and emphasize that there are no “wrong” additions—every line can spark a new direction!

Plot Twist Brainstorm Discussion

Objective:
Students will generate and analyze unexpected twists for collaborative stories/doodles, exploring how surprises can drive narrative and spark new creative directions.

Materials:

• Selected collaborative doodles or story summaries from Pass-the-Story Doodle
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Sticky notes or index cards

1. Set the Scene (2 minutes)

• Display one finished doodle/story on the board.
• Briefly recap the scene or characters that emerged.
• Remind students of the “Yes, and…” mindset: build on ideas, no judgments.

2. Small-Group Brainstorm (5 minutes)

1. Divide into groups of 3–4.

2. Each group picks one story/doodle to twist.

3. On sticky notes, jot down one surprising event, revelation, or change (e.g., “The hero is actually the villain,” “The marketplace floats away,” “Time runs backward for one character”).

4. Aim for at least three different twists per group.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   (Space for group twist ideas)

3. Share & Expand (5 minutes)

• Have each group stick their top twist on the chart paper/whiteboard under the original story title.

• Invite other students to build on any twist: How could this alter the ending? Add a complication?

  Example Follow-Up Prompts:

  • “What new conflict does this twist introduce?”
  • “How does this change how we feel about the main character?”
  • “What’s the next scene after the twist?”

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  (Space for class notes on expanded twists)

4. Reflection & Discussion (3 minutes)

• Ask volunteers:

  • Which twist surprised you the most, and why?
  • How did another student’s idea give you a new direction?
  • How can you use this twist-driven approach in your own stories or projects?

  
  
  
  
  (Space for individual reflections)

Facilitation Tips:

• Celebrate every twist, even the wildest—surprises drive creativity.
• Encourage students to ask “What if…?” and push beyond the first idea.
• Keep energy high: use quick time checks to keep brainstorming fresh.

One-Word Wrap Cool-Down

Objective:
Students will reflect on their creative experience by distilling it into a single word, practicing concise expression, active listening, and collective reflection.

Materials:

• (Optional) Index cards or sticky notes and pens
• Timer or stopwatch

Steps

1. Explain the Activity (1 minute)

   • Tell students they will choose one word that best captures how they felt or what they learned during today’s session.
   • Emphasize brevity and thoughtfulness—one word and a very brief explanation.

2. Go Around the Circle (8 minutes)

   • Set a timer for 30 seconds per student.
   • Each student says their word aloud and in 1–2 sentences explains why they chose it.
   • (If using cards, students write their word on a card before sharing.)

3. Group Reflection (1 minute)

   • Ask the class: What common themes or emotions did you notice?
   • How did hearing different words influence your view of today’s activities?

Debrief Questions

1. What themes emerged from our one-word summaries?
   
   
   
   

2. How did limiting yourself to one word change the way you reflected on today’s activities?
   
   
   
   

3. In what other situations could you use a one-word wrap to share or reflect?
   
   
   
   

Facilitation Tips:

• Keep the pace steady with a timer—encourage concise sharing.
• Validate each student’s word and explanation to foster a supportive environment.
• Use this quick reflective practice regularly to build metacognition and community.