Unlock Your Imagination Lesson Script

Welcome & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher stands at the front with chart paper and marker.

Teacher: “Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our creativity workshop. Today, we’re going to unlock our imagination and see how creativity helps us in everything we do—from art and stories to solving problems in real life.”

Teacher: “First, I want to ask: What is creativity? In your own words, tell me what creativity means.”

(Call on 3–4 volunteers. As students speak, write their ideas on chart paper.)

Teacher: “Great ideas! I love hearing how you describe creativity. Here’s one way to think about it: Creativity is using your imagination to come up with new ideas, stories, or pictures. It’s about expressing yourself and thinking outside the box.”

Teacher: “Now, who’s ever made something—like a drawing, a poem, or a little invention? Raise your hand and share what you created.”

(Select 2–3 volunteers. After each share, say:)
Teacher: “That’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing.”

Reading & Reflection (10 minutes)

Teacher displays Creative Spark Reading on the board.

Teacher: “Now we’ll read a short story called ‘The Starlight Explorer.’ It’s about a child who builds a rocket out of recycled materials to visit a candy planet. I’d like you to follow along as I read.”

(Read the first paragraph aloud.)

Teacher: “Pause and think: What vivid detail just caught your imagination?”

Teacher: “Turn to a partner and share that detail.”

(Read the second paragraph aloud.)

Teacher: “Again, notice any new images or ideas that pop into your mind.”

Teacher: “Quick share—who wants to tell me one thing that made you see something new?”

(Call on 2 volunteers.)

Group Discussion (10 minutes)

Teacher divides students into small groups and displays discussion questions.

Teacher: “Let’s dig deeper in our groups. Discuss these two questions:

1. How did the story spark new ideas for you?
2. If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?

You have three minutes to talk. Everyone should share one thought.”

(Set timer for 3 minutes. Circulate among groups to listen and prompt quieter students.)

Teacher: “Time’s up! Let’s hear one idea from each group.”

(Call on a representative from 3 groups. After each, say: “Thank you—that’s an awesome suggestion!” and jot key words on chart paper.)

Creative Activity (15 minutes)

Teacher hands out the Imagination Activity Worksheet.

Teacher: “It’s time to create! On your worksheet, first brainstorm a unique character or setting in the top section. You might choose an animal that lives in the clouds or a city made of jellybeans—be as wild as you like!”

(Pause for 1 minute of silent brainstorming.)

Teacher: “Great! Now use pencils and crayons to either sketch your idea or write a short scene featuring your character or setting. Add color, details, and any notes that help bring your idea to life.”

Teacher: “Remember: there’s no right or wrong. I want you to be as bold and imaginative as possible.”

(Circulate, offering specific praise: “I love how you gave that character rainbow hair—so creative!”)

(After 12 minutes, give a 3-minute warning.)

Teacher: “Three minutes left—finish up your last details.”

Share & Debrief (5 minutes)

Teacher invites volunteers to share.

Teacher: “Time’s up—please put your crayons down. I’d like 3–4 volunteers to come to the front and share their work. Tell us:

1. What’s your idea?
2. One creative choice you made.

Then, the rest of us will ask a question or compliment something we notice.”

(Select volunteers. After each share, model one question: “I notice your castle is floating—what inspires that idea?” and invite a classmate to ask their own question or give a compliment.)

Teacher: “Thank you for sharing—your work is amazing!”

Teacher: “Before we finish, remember: creativity is a muscle. The more you practice imagining, sharing, and building on ideas, the stronger you become. You can use these steps anytime—whether you’re writing a story, solving a problem, or creating art. Keep unlocking your imagination every day!”

End of Lesson

The Starlight Explorer

Milo stood in his backyard workshop, surrounded by shiny metal scraps and tangled wires. He had spent weeks collecting tin cans, old bicycle handlebars, and colorful glass bottles. With careful hands, he hammered, twisted, and glued each piece until a small rocket, painted bright purple and green, stood ready on the launch pad.

When the sun dipped below the trees, Milo climbed inside and counted down: “Three… two… one… blast off!” The rocket soared into the sky with a gentle boom. Outside the window, stars sparkled like giant jellybeans, and pastel clouds drifted by in swirling pinks and blues. Milo imagined the clouds tasted like cotton candy as he guided his ship toward a distant, glowing planet.

At last, he landed on the Candy Planet, where sugar-coated mountains rose like lollipops and rivers of melted chocolate flowed between gumdrop forests. He hopped out and tasted a crunchy candy pebble—sweet and tangy. Tiny marshmallow creatures peeked from behind licorice trees and waved hello. Everything shimmered with sparkling sugar crystals in the warm, golden light.

As night fell, Milo climbed back into his rocket, clutching a handful of candy pebbles as souvenirs. He drifted home, mind buzzing with ideas: a candy-powered engine, a floating marshmallow balloon, or even a chocolate fountain fountain that never ran dry. Back in his workshop, Milo knew this adventure was only the beginning of his next big invention.

Imagination Discussion

Purpose

This discussion invites students to dive deeper into the creative details of “The Starlight Explorer,” practice sharing ideas, and build on classmates’ thoughts. It occurs during the Group Discussion phase of the lesson.

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully when others speak.
• Use complete sentences and explain your reasoning.
• Build on someone else’s idea by saying, “I like that because…” or asking, “How might we…?”
• Raise your hand and wait to be called on.

Discussion Prompts

1. How did the story spark new ideas for you?
• What image or detail from the Candy Planet made you imagine something unexpected?

2. If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?
• How might that change create a different setting or character?

3. Imagine a new machine or creature inspired by Milo’s adventure. Describe it.
• What does it look like? What special power or feature does it have?

Follow-Up Questions & Extensions

• Why do you think Milo chose recycled materials for his rocket?
  
  
• How would you make your candy planet even more surprising?
  
  
• Can someone add to _____’s idea and explain how it could work in the story?
  
  

Teacher Prompts

• “That’s a great start—can you tell us more about why you chose that detail?”
• “I noticed some of you mentioned flavors. How do tastes and textures help the story come alive?”
• “Who can link _____’s idea to something you’ve created before?”

Use chart paper or a digital board to record key ideas and encourage students to reference them as they speak.

Imagination Activity Worksheet

Instructions

1. Brainstorm a unique character or setting.
2. Sketch your idea.
3. Write a short scene featuring your creation.
4. Reflect on your creative choices.

1. Brainstorm Your Idea

Think of a character or place that no one has ever imagined before. Write down words or phrases that describe it:

2. Sketch Your Creation

Use the space below to draw your character or setting. Add color, patterns, or special details to bring it to life:

3. Write a Short Scene

Write 3–5 sentences or a short paragraph describing something that happens with your character or in your setting. Include sights, sounds, smells, or textures:

4. Reflection

a. What makes your idea special or different from others?

b. What challenge did you face while creating your idea, and how did you solve it?

Great work! Be ready to share your brainstorming notes, sketch, and scene with the class.