Welcome to Imagination Explorers: Create a Story.

We begin by singing a welcome song that allows learners to introduce themselves and get familiar with each other. I will introduce the topic for our story while learners are encouraged to share their thoughts and get comfortable engaging with one another. 

Next students will take turns creating a story with the help of engaging picture cards. Each student will take a turn with their own card using their imagination and adding the new plot twist or characters to the story. With cards being drawn at random and each learner taking the story in their own direction, the possibilities are endless for a truly unique story they get to take part in creating and won’t hear anywhere else. 

Storytelling builds literacy skills of sequencing, vocabulary development, narrative and comprehension. The group aspect will help your learner build their social and emotional skills while they learn the importance of teamwork and taking turns. I will help guide learners as necessary by asking questions such as “what is the setting of the story?”, “who is this new character?”, and “what do you think they are doing in this picture?”.

After our story is complete, we will then discuss our unique story. What twists and turns happened that we did not expect? What parts of the story did we like the most or find especially creative? 

Finally, it’s time to get crafty. We will make a craft based on the story to help reinforce the themes and narrative. Crafts can vary from something as simple as drawing and coloring to more hands-on art projects. A supply list will be provided each week. Because of the nature of this part of the class, some adult supervision may be needed. You know your learner best, so if they need help with paint, glue, using scissors, etc., please be available to assist. 


Week of September 30th
Story Theme: Volcano Island
Craft: Paper plate island
Materials: 1 paper plate, 1 toilet paper roll, paper, tape, something to color with (crayons, colored pencils or markers) 

Week of October 7th
Story Theme: Animal Village
Craft: Forest scene
Materials: Access to a printer to print forest scene PDF, scissors & a glue stick. (There is quite a bit of cutting in this craft. If your learner needs help, please be around for assistance. They can also cut out a bit before class. Not all pieces need to be cut out, just whatever your learner wants to add to their scene. Note* the animals are pretty small for this, I recommend just cutting out a rough shape around the animal. It's ok if a little white shows.)

Week of October 14th
Story Theme: Community Helpers
Craft: Paper plate fire truck
Materials: Access to a printer to print firetruck PDF, 1 paper plate, glue stick, scissors & a red marker or paint. 

Week of October 21st
Story Theme: Campfire Stories
Craft: Campsite map
Materials: Construction paper (Small or large size is ok. Colors needed are blue, green, brown. If you don't have construction paper, you can use regular paper and have your learner color them in once shapes are cut out.), white paper, glue stick, scissors, something to color with (crayons, colored pencils or markers)

Week of October 28th
Story Theme: Magical Forest 
Craft: Mushroom house
Materials: Access to a printer to print mushroom PDF, white paper, scissors & glue stick. 

Week of November 4th (No class on the 7th)
Story Theme: Ocean Adventures
Craft: Rocking paper plate ships
Materials: Access to a printer to print pirate ship PDF, 1 paper plate, popsicle stick, scissors, glue stick, something to color with (crayons, colored pencils or markers)

Week of November 11th
Story Theme: Fairytale Mix-Ups
Craft: Castle 
Materials: Access to a printer to print castle PDF, scissors, glue stick & something to color with (crayons, colored pencils or markers)

Week of November 11th
Story Theme: Space Quest
Craft: Flying spaceship 
Materials:  Access to a printer to print spaceship PDF, black construction paper, hole punch, glue stick, tape, something to color with (crayons, colored pencils or markers) & string.