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lenny

Imagination Expedition

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texanna.martin

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Imagine & Create Lesson Plan

Introduce kindergarteners to imaginative storytelling and creative expression through a story, video, group storytelling chain, movement, and drawing, guiding them to create and share their own imaginary creature.

By blending listening, discussion, cooperative storytelling, movement, and art, this lesson boosts creativity, social skills, and confidence in self-expression—all within a 30-minute session.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Story, video, discussion, movement, drawing

Materials

  • Storybook: The Incredible Thinking Machine, - Video Clip: Imagination Explorers, - Drawing Paper, - Colored Markers Or Crayons, and - Music Track: Upbeat Imagination Music

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Print or have on hand The Incredible Thinking Machine story pages
  • Queue up Imagination Explorers video and test audio/visuals
  • Prepare Upbeat Imagination Music playlist and test audio
  • Lay out drawing paper and sets of colored markers or crayons for each child
  • Review story, video, and activity steps

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet students in a circle and invite them to share one thing they like to imagine (e.g., flying like a bird).
  • Explain that today they’ll become imagination explorers and do fun storytelling and movement activities.

Step 2

Story Time

6 minutes

  • Read aloud The Incredible Thinking Machine.
  • Pause at key moments and ask, “What do you think happens next?”

Step 3

Video Exploration

4 minutes

  • Play the Imagination Explorers clip.
  • Prompt students to notice how characters solved a problem using their imagination.

Step 4

Quick Discussion

1 minute

  • Ask 1–2 students: “What was your favorite part?” and “How did imagination help?”

Step 5

Story Chain Activity

4 minutes

  • Form a circle.
  • Start a group story: teacher says the first sentence about an imaginary creature’s adventure.
  • Each child adds one sentence, building on the tale.

Step 6

Imagination Dance

3 minutes

  • Play Upbeat Imagination Music.
  • Invite students to move like their imaginary creatures (e.g., wiggly legs, flying arms).
  • Encourage creative movements and praise effort.

Step 7

Creative Drawing Activity

8 minutes

  • Hand out drawing paper and markers/crayons.
  • Invite each child to draw the creature from the group story or their own original creature.
  • Circulate, ask questions, and offer praise (e.g., “I like those wings!”).

Step 8

Share & Reflect

2 minutes

  • Have 2–3 volunteers show their drawings and name their creature.
  • Ask each to share one fun fact about their creature’s special power.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 1: Imagine & Create

Introduce kindergarteners to imaginative storytelling through story, video, puppet play, sensory exploration, movement, and drawing, guiding them to create and share their own imaginary creature.

By blending listening, discussion, cooperative play with puppets, tactile exploration, movement, and art, this lesson boosts creativity, social skills, sensory awareness, and confidence in self-expression—all within a 30-minute session.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Story, video, discussion, hands-on stations, movement, drawing

Materials

  • Storybook: The Incredible Thinking Machine, - Video Clip: Imagination Explorers, - Hand Puppets: Creature Story Puppets, - Sensory Bin: Creature Texture Bin, - Drawing Paper, - Colored Markers Or Crayons, and - Music Track: Upbeat Imagination Music

Prep

Prepare Materials & Stations

15 minutes

  • Print or have on hand The Incredible Thinking Machine story pages
  • Queue up Imagination Explorers video and test audio/visuals
  • Lay out drawing paper and sets of colored markers or crayons for each child
  • Prepare two stations:
    1. Puppet Station: arrange Creature Story Puppets on Table A
    2. Sensory Station: fill Creature Texture Bin with feathers, fabric strips, foam shapes
  • Label tables “Station A” and “Station B” and plan 3-minute rotations
  • Prepare Upbeat Imagination Music playlist and test audio
  • Review story, video, and rotation signals (e.g., bell or clap)

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet students in a circle and invite them to share one thing they like to imagine (e.g., flying like a bird).
  • Explain that today they’ll become imagination explorers using stories, puppets, sensory play, movement, and drawing.

Step 2

Story Time with Puppets

6 minutes

  • Read aloud The Incredible Thinking Machine.
  • Use Creature Story Puppets to act out key characters.
  • Pause at moments and ask, “What do you think happens next?”

Step 3

Video Exploration

4 minutes

  • Play the Imagination Explorers clip.
  • Prompt students to notice how characters solved a problem using their imagination.

Step 4

Quick Discussion

1 minute

  • Ask 1–2 students: “What was your favorite part?” and “How did imagination help?”

Step 5

Hands-On Rotations

6 minutes

  • Divide class into two small groups and assign to Station A or B
  • Station A (3 minutes): Puppet Station—using Creature Story Puppets, students act out a creature adventure
  • Station B (3 minutes): Sensory Station—explore Creature Texture Bin, choose 2–3 items to describe or glue onto a quick mini-sketch
  • After 3 minutes, groups swap stations

Step 6

Imagination Dance

3 minutes

  • Play Upbeat Imagination Music.
  • Invite students to move like their imaginary creatures (e.g., wiggly legs, flying arms).
  • Encourage creative movements and praise effort.

Step 7

Creative Drawing Activity

6 minutes

  • Hand out drawing paper and markers/crayons.
  • Invite each child to draw their own imaginary creature, incorporating textures or ideas from the sensory station.
  • Circulate, ask questions (“What makes your creature special?”), and offer praise.

Step 8

Share & Reflect

2 minutes

  • Have 2–3 volunteers show their drawings and name their creature.
  • Ask each to share one fun fact about their creature’s special power.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 2: Nature’s Imagination (2nd Grade)

Guide 2nd graders to explore natural materials and deepen observation skills through interactive read-alouds, sensory stations, map-making, movement, and collage, culminating in sharing nature-inspired creations.

Engaging with richer texts and hands-on exploration builds 2nd graders’ ecosystem understanding, descriptive vocabulary, and creative collaboration within a fun, 30-minute flow.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Read-aloud, sensory stations, map creation, movement, collage

Materials

  • Picture Book: Over and Under the Rainforest, - Picture Book: The Great Kapok Tree, - Picture Book: A Walk in the Forest, - Nature Treasures Collection: Nature Treasures Collection, - Nature Texture Bin: Nature Texture Bin, - Field Guide: Junior Naturalist Field Guide, - Worksheet: Nature’s Imagination Worksheet, - Construction Paper, - Glue Sticks, - Crayons Or Colored Pencils, - Markers, - Large Drawing Paper, and - Optional: Nature Soundtrack (e.g., forest ambience)

Prep

Prepare Materials & Space

10 minutes

  • Gather and arrange picture books: Over and Under the Rainforest, The Great Kapok Tree, A Walk in the Forest
  • Set out Nature Treasures Collection and Nature Texture Bin on a front table
  • Provide field guide at each workspace: Junior Naturalist Field Guide
  • Place art supplies (construction paper, glue sticks, crayons/pencils, markers, drawing paper) at tables
  • Lay out Nature’s Imagination Worksheet at each desk
  • Optional: prepare nature soundtrack and test audio
  • Review discussion questions and station instructions

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and ask: “What’s your favorite place in nature and why?”
  • Introduce today’s plan: exploring books, natural items, creating maps and collages

Step 2

Interactive Read-Aloud

6 minutes

  • Read aloud the first pages of Over and Under the Rainforest, focusing on vivid imagery and key vocabulary (e.g., canopy, forest floor)
  • Briefly share a striking illustration or fact from The Great Kapok Tree and A Walk in the Forest to build context

Step 3

Guided Exploration & Journal Prompt

4 minutes

  • Invite students to examine items in Nature Treasures Collection and Nature Texture Bin
  • Encourage descriptive talk: “How does this bark feel? What patterns do you notice?”
  • Distribute Nature’s Imagination Worksheet and have students complete Sections 1 & 2

Step 4

Hands-On Station Rotations

8 minutes

  • Divide class into two groups and assign to Station A or Station B
  • Station A (4 minutes): Sensory Station—select 2–3 items from the texture bin, sketch them, and note observations
  • Station B (4 minutes): Drawing Station—draw and label a plant or creature inspired by the treasures collection
  • After 4 minutes, groups swap stations

Step 5

Nature Map Creation

4 minutes

  • Provide large drawing paper; students sketch a simple map of their favorite nature spot from the books or items
  • Encourage inclusion of landmarks (trees, rivers, animals) and a creative title

Step 6

Movement Break

3 minutes

  • Play a short nature sound clip and invite students to move like an animal they saw (e.g., hop like frogs, slither like snakes)
  • Emphasize listening and imaginative movement

Step 7

Share & Reflect

3 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to show their map or sketch and describe one thing they learned or imagined
  • Ask: “How did exploring these items help you notice new things about nature?”
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 3: Imaginary Machines

Encourage kindergarteners to design and prototype magical paper machines using only drawing and simple paper folds, fostering creativity, narrative skills, and movement.

With just paper and markers, students can imagine, sketch, fold, and bring machines to life through story and movement, building creative thinking and storytelling skills without extra materials.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Sketch, fold, story, move, share

Materials

  • Drawing Paper, and - Colored Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

  • Provide each child with several sheets of drawing paper and a set of colored markers
  • Clear workspace for drawing and folding
  • Review simple paper fold techniques (accordion folds, rolling, tabs for levers)
  • Ensure enough table space for prototyping

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

3 minutes

  • Greet students and ask: “What’s your favorite machine?”
  • Explain they will design magical machines using only paper and markers, fold parts, tell stories, and move like them

Step 2

Sketch & Plan

6 minutes

  • Distribute paper and markers
  • Invite students to draw their imaginary machine, labeling parts (e.g., blades, gears, wings)
  • Ask: “What part moves? How?”

Step 3

Paper Prototyping

8 minutes

  • Demonstrate safe folds and cuts (accordion folds, paper rolls, tabs for hinges)
  • Children create movable parts by folding or rolling paper
  • Encourage decorating each part with markers

Step 4

Magical Machine Story Chain

4 minutes

  • Form a circle and start: “In a paper kingdom, there was a machine that…”
  • Each child adds one sentence about their machine’s magical power or adventure

Step 5

Machine Movement

4 minutes

  • Invite students to move like their paper machines (e.g., spin like paper blades, roll like paper wheels)
  • Encourage expressive movement and praise creative ideas

Step 6

Share & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to show their paper machine and demonstrate its movement
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 4: Colorful Emotions

Help kindergarteners explore and express emotions by mixing colors and creating art tied to feelings, then sharing stories inspired by their artwork.

Connecting colors with emotions supports emotional literacy, self-awareness, and creative expression, helping children name and manage feelings through hands-on art.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Mix, discuss, paint, story

Materials

  • Tempera Paints (primary colors), - Mixing Trays: Color Mixing Trays, - Paintbrushes, - Large Drawing Paper, - Emotion Prompt Cards: Emotion Prompt Cards, - Aprons or Smocks, - Water Cups & Paper Towels, and - Drying Rack or Clothesline

Prep

Prepare Materials & Stations

10 minutes

  • Arrange three mixing trays or palettes, each with one primary color: red, yellow, blue
  • Prepare extra trays for students to mix secondary colors
  • Set out paintbrushes, water cups, paper towels, and aprons at tables
  • Lay out large drawing paper at each workspace
  • Print or prepare Emotion Prompt Cards with feelings (happy, sad, excited, calm, surprised)
  • Hang up drying rack or clothesline
  • Review emotion–color associations and station flow

Step 1

Welcome & Color Check-In

2 minutes

  • Gather children in a circle and invite each to share a color and the emotion it reminds them of (e.g., “Blue makes me feel calm”).
  • Explain that they will mix colors to match different feelings and create expressive art.

Step 2

Color Mixing Stations

6 minutes

  • Divide class into two small groups for station rotations
  • Station A (3 minutes): Primary Color Station—use palettes to explore red, yellow, and blue
  • Station B (3 minutes): Secondary Mixing Station—combine two primary colors to discover oranges, greens, and purples
  • After 3 minutes, groups swap stations
  • Circulate to ask “What new color did you make?” and note the emotion it could represent.

Step 3

Emotion–Color Prompt

3 minutes

  • Show an Emotion Prompt Cards card and read aloud the emotion (e.g., “Excited”).
  • Ask children which color or mixed hue best matches that feeling and have them show it on their palette.

Step 4

Expressive Painting

10 minutes

  • Hand out drawing paper and paintbrushes
  • Invite each child to paint a scene or abstract design using colors they chose for feelings
  • Encourage adding details: expressive brushstrokes, patterns, emotive shapes
  • Circulate to ask “Which emotion are you painting?” and offer praise.

Step 5

Emotion Movement

3 minutes

  • Play a soft, fluid music track (e.g., calm melody)
  • Guide children to move like their emotion-painting (e.g., slow waves for calm blues, quick jumps for excited reds)
  • Celebrate creative motions.

Step 6

Story Circles

4 minutes

  • Sit in a circle and display paintings or lay them on the floor
  • Each child picks one painting and shares:
    • The emotion they painted
    • A one-sentence story about it (e.g., “My happy sun jumps in a yellow field”).

Step 7

Reflection & Clean-Up

2 minutes

  • Ask: “How did mixing colors help you show your feeling?”
  • Guide children to rinse brushes, hang paintings on the drying rack, and tidy their areas.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 5: Sound & Story

Inspire kindergarteners to explore sound and rhythm through listening, instrument play, storytelling, movement, and drawing, sparking creative expression.

Sound exploration develops listening skills, rhythm awareness, and imagination, helping children connect auditory experiences to creative storytelling and art.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Listen, play, story, move, draw

Materials

  • Audio Track: Rhythm Exploration Audio, - Prompt Cards: Sound Story Cards, - Small Percussion Instruments (shakers, drums), - Headphones or Speakers, - Drawing Paper, and - Colored Pencils Or Crayons

Prep

Prepare Materials & Stations

15 minutes

  • Queue up Rhythm Exploration Audio and test volume
  • Print or prepare Sound Story Cards
  • Gather small percussion instruments (shakers, drums) and place at Station A
  • Set up Station B with drawing paper and colored pencils/crayons
  • Label tables “Station A” (Instrument Station) and “Station B” (Drawing Station)
  • Review audio segment and story card prompts
  • Arrange headphones or speakers for clear listening

Step 1

Welcome & Sound Check

2 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and ask each to name a sound they love (e.g., rain, drumbeat).
  • Explain that today they’ll become sound explorers using listening, instruments, movement, and art.

Step 2

Audio Exploration

5 minutes

  • Play a 1–2 minute segment of Rhythm Exploration Audio.
  • Encourage children to close eyes and listen for different rhythms or instruments.
  • Ask 1–2 volunteers to describe one sound they heard.

Step 3

Quick Discussion

1 minute

  • Ask: “Which instrument or beat did you like best?” and “What did it make you think of?”

Step 4

Hands-On Rotations

6 minutes

  • Divide class into two small groups and assign to Station A or B
  • Station A (3 minutes): Instrument Station—children choose a percussion instrument to mimic or create new rhythms
  • Station B (3 minutes): Drawing Station—children sketch the sound they heard or how it made them feel
  • After 3 minutes, groups swap stations

Step 5

Rhythmic Storytelling

5 minutes

  • Form a circle and draw a prompt from Sound Story Cards (e.g., “A drum that summons animals”).
  • Teacher reads the prompt and adds one sentence plus a matching sound effect.
  • Each child adds one sentence and performs a quick sound effect with an instrument or voice.

Step 6

Sound Movement

3 minutes

  • Play a lively section of the audio again.
  • Invite children to move around the space to the beat (e.g., tiptoe, stomp, sway).
  • Encourage expressive movement and praise creativity.

Step 7

Soundscape Drawing

6 minutes

  • Hand out drawing supplies.
  • Ask children to draw a scene inspired by a sound or rhythm they heard (e.g., a jungle with animal beats).
  • Circulate to ask: “What sound is in your picture?” and offer praise.

Step 8

Share & Reflect

2 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to show their drawing and either play or describe their favorite sound.
  • Ask: “How did the sound inspire your picture or story?”
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 6: Tiny Worlds

Invite kindergarteners to build and explore miniature diorama “tiny worlds,” craft stories about them, and bring their creations to life through movement and drawing.

Hands-on diorama creation enhances fine motor skills, stimulates spatial imagination, and deepens narrative abilities by having children design and inhabit their own tiny universes.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Build, explore, story, movement, draw

Materials

  • Shoebox Diorama Kits: Tiny Worlds Diorama Kits, - Assorted Miniature Objects (small toys, natural items), - Construction Paper & Colored Papers, - Glue Sticks & Tape, - Scissors, - Markers, - Story Prompt Cards: Tiny World Story Cards, and - Music Track: Upbeat Imagination Music

Prep

Prepare Materials & Stations

10 minutes

  • Assemble Tiny Worlds Diorama Kits with shoeboxes, paper, and adhesive
  • Gather assorted miniature objects (small toys, stones, leaves) on a Prop Table
  • Print or create Tiny World Story Cards with prompts (e.g., “A hidden doorway appears in your world!”)
  • Lay out construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, tape, and markers at tables
  • Queue up Upbeat Imagination Music and test audio
  • Review station flow and story prompts

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Gather students and invite them to imagine one tiny creature or place they’d love to explore
  • Explain they’ll build a small world, tell its story, and move like its creatures today

Step 2

Prop Exploration

3 minutes

  • At the Prop Table, let children choose from assorted miniature objects
  • Invite them to describe one item and imagine who or what might live there

Step 3

Hands-On Rotations

10 minutes

  • Divide class into two small groups and assign to Station A or B
  • Station A (5 minutes): Build Station—children decorate and structure their diorama interior using paper, tape, and basic craft supplies
  • Station B (5 minutes): Prop Station—children add miniature objects to their diorama and secure them with glue or tape
  • After 5 minutes, groups swap stations

Step 4

Story Sparks

4 minutes

  • Form a circle and draw a prompt from Tiny World Story Cards
  • Teacher reads the prompt and adds one sentence about a tiny-world adventure
  • Each child adds a sentence, weaving their diorama’s characters into the tale

Step 5

Diorama Movement

3 minutes

  • Play Upbeat Imagination Music
  • Invite children to move or “act out” how a creature in their tiny world would creep, hop, or swoop
  • Celebrate inventive motions

Step 6

Creative Drawing Extension

5 minutes

  • Hand out drawing paper and markers
  • Ask children to draw a map or close-up scene from their tiny world inspired by their diorama
  • Circulate to ask “What part of your world did you like most?” and praise details

Step 7

Share & Reflect

3 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to show their diorama and share one sentence about their world’s story
  • Ask: “How did adding props help bring your tiny world to life?”
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 7: Story to Song

Guide kindergarteners to transform simple stories into catchy songs, blending literacy with rhythm and melody to boost language and musical skills.

Turning stories into songs enhances vocabulary, phonemic awareness, memory, and creative expression, while making literacy playful and engaging.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Listen, rhyme, compose, sing

Materials

  • Audio Track: Story Song Backing Track, - Story Prompt Cards: Story Song Prompt Cards, - Small Percussion Instruments (optional), - Drawing Paper, and - Colored Pencils Or Crayons

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Queue up Story Song Backing Track and test audio
  • Print or prepare Story Song Prompt Cards with simple story scenarios
  • Lay out drawing paper and colored pencils/crayons at tables
  • Gather small percussion instruments (shakers, hand drums) if available
  • Review prompt cards and think of simple, repetitive melodies

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet students with a short call-and-response song (e.g., “Hello, hello, how are you?”)
  • Explain that today they’ll turn stories into songs and use music to tell tales.

Step 2

Story Selection

5 minutes

  • Show a Story Song Prompt Cards card and read the short story scenario aloud
  • Ask students to recall key characters, actions, and emotions in the story.

Step 3

Story Recap & Rhythm

5 minutes

  • Read the story again, adding a simple rhythmic clap or drumbeat on repeated words
  • Invite students to clap or tap along to the rhythm with their hands or instruments.

Step 4

Song Composition

10 minutes

  • Divide class into small groups (2–3 children)
  • Each group selects one line or action from the story and composes a simple melody or rhyme
  • Encourage use of percussion instruments to add beats or sound effects
  • Circulate to help refine rhythm, melody, and rhyme patterns.

Step 5

Practice & Perform

5 minutes

  • Play the Story Song Backing Track
  • Have each group perform their song segment in sequence, with classmates providing percussion or claps
  • Applaud each group and encourage supportive feedback.

Step 6

Reflect & Draw

3 minutes

  • Invite children to draw their favorite song moment or character on paper
  • Ask a few volunteers to share how the melody or rhythm helped tell the story
lenny

Lesson Plan

Lesson 8: Imagination Showcase

Celebrate and showcase students’ imaginative creations from the entire course, guiding them to reflect on their creative growth and appreciate peers’ work.

Sharing and reflecting on completed projects builds confidence, fosters community, highlights skill development, and motivates continued creative expression.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Gallery walk, presentations, reflection, celebration

Materials

  • Student Creations Display (drawings, collages, dioramas, story-songs, sound drawings), - Sticky Notes Or Comment Stars, - Certificates: Imagination Explorer Certificate, and - Background Music (optional)

Prep

Prepare Showcase Environment

20 minutes

  • Collect student creations from all sessions and organize them around the room for display
  • Label each work with the student’s name and session title
  • Place sticky notes or comment stars next to each display for peer feedback
  • Print or prepare Imagination Explorer Certificate for every child
  • Set up background music (optional) and test volume

Step 1

Welcome & Overview

2 minutes

  • Gather students in the showcase area and explain today’s plan: explore, share, and celebrate everyone’s work
  • Emphasize kindness and curiosity as they view classmates’ creations

Step 2

Gallery Walk

8 minutes

  • Invite students to walk around displays quietly
  • Encourage them to read labels and leave a positive sticky note or comment star on at least two pieces
  • Circulate to prompt: “What do you notice?” and “What do you like?”

Step 3

Presentation Circle

10 minutes

  • Sit in a circle and invite 4–5 volunteers to present one favorite creation
  • Each presenter names the session, describes their work, and shares what they learned or enjoyed most

Step 4

Reflection Discussion

5 minutes

  • Ask the whole group:
    • “Which project made you most proud?”
    • “How did your creativity change from Lesson 1 to now?”
  • Collect a few responses to highlight growth

Step 5

Award & Celebration

5 minutes

  • Hand out [
lenny

Worksheet

Nature’s Imagination Worksheet

(For use with Lesson 2: Nature’s Imagination)

Name: _______________________ Date: ________________

1. Observation

Look at the nature items you explored today (leaves, sticks, stones, etc.).
Draw two of your favorite items and write their names below your pictures.

Picture 1: ____________________ Name: ____________________





Picture 2: ____________________ Name: ____________________





2. Texture & Touch

Choose one item that felt smooth and one that felt rough.
Draw a small picture of each and write one word to describe how it felt.

Smooth item: ____________ Word: ____________



Rough item: _____________ Word: _____________




3. Collage Planning

You will glue some of these items onto your artwork.
List 2–3 items you want to use, and sketch where you will place each on your paper.

Items I’ll use:






(Sketch your plan below)







4. Nature Movement

Think about how one item moves (e.g., leaves swaying, stones skipping).
Draw a stick figure showing how you would move like that item.

Which item did you choose? ____________________






5. Story & Imagination

What story or creature could live in your collage?
Write one sentence to tell about it.

"_____________________________________________________________"





lenny
lenny

Script

Script: Nature’s Imagination (2nd Grade)

Welcome & Warm-Up (2 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, Nature Explorers! Let’s gather in a circle. I’m so excited to go on a nature adventure today. First, I want you to think about your favorite place in nature—maybe a park, beach, or your own backyard. Who would like to share their favorite place and tell us why?"
[Pause for responses]
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing! It’s wonderful to hear about all your special spots. Today, we’ll explore some amazing nature books, investigate real nature treasures, create maps, and share our discoveries!"

Interactive Read-Aloud (6 minutes)

Teacher: "Let’s start our journey with a book called Over and Under the Rainforest. Watch how I turn the pages and listen for new words. The first word is ‘canopy.’ Who can say ‘canopy’ with me?"
[Children repeat]
Teacher: "The canopy is the top layer of leaves. What do you imagine is happening up there?"
[Pause for responses]
Teacher: "Great ideas! Now, the forest floor is below. Look at this picture—what might you find beneath the trees?"
[Pause]
Teacher: "Next, here’s a page from The Great Kapok Tree. This tree is home to many animals. Can you find an animal hiding here?"
[Pause]
Teacher: "Lastly, from A Walk in the Forest, the author uses words like ‘rustle’ and ‘glimmer.’ What do you think ‘glimmer’ means?"
[Pause]

Guided Exploration & Journal Prompt (4 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it’s time to be nature detectives! Here on the table are our Nature Treasures and the Nature Texture Bin. I’d like everyone to gently touch and look closely. How does this bark feel?"
[Pause]
Teacher: "Describe it using one word—like ‘rough’ or ‘bumpy.’"
[Pause]
Teacher: "Amazing! Now open your Nature’s Imagination Worksheet. In Section 1, draw two of your favorite items from our treasures. In Section 2, choose one item that felt smooth and one that felt rough—draw them and write the feeling word. Let’s begin!"
[Circulate and prompt as needed]

Hands-On Station Rotations (8 minutes)

Teacher: "It’s station time! We have two stations and we’ll spend four minutes at each. When I ring the bell, we’ll switch."

Teacher: "Station A is our Sensory Station. Choose two or three items from the texture bin, sketch them on paper, and write one observation beside each."

Teacher: "Station B is our Drawing Station. Use your paper and crayons to draw and label a plant or creature inspired by our treasures."

Teacher: "Let’s start at Station A—go!"
[Ring bell]

[After 4 minutes]

Teacher: "Time to switch—everyone move to the other station, please."
[Ring bell]

[After another 4 minutes]

Teacher: "Great work, Adventurers! Let’s come back to the circle."

Nature Map Creation (4 minutes)

Teacher: "Here is a large sheet of paper and markers. Draw a map of your favorite nature spot—maybe the rainforest, a beach, or a forest floor. Include landmarks like trees, rivers, and animals, and don’t forget a creative title at the top!"
[Circulate and support]

Movement Break (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Time to move like nature! I’ll play a short sound clip of forest sounds. When you hear frogs, hop like a frog. When you hear wind in the leaves, sway like branches. Ready?"
[Play clip]

Teacher: "Wonderful movements! Thank you for listening so carefully."

Share & Reflect (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Who would like to share their map or sketch?"
[Select 2–3 volunteers]

Teacher: "Show us your title, point out one landmark, and share one new thing you learned or imagined today."
[Pause for each volunteer]

Teacher: "Thank you all for exploring with me! You noticed amazing details and used your imaginations. I’m so proud of your work today."

lenny
lenny