Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Young Explorers: Imagination Adventures (Storytime & Crafts)

Travel the wild lands of your creativity in this hands-on celebration of literature. Merging reading with crafting, each week includes an engaging story, interactive learning with Q & A, and a related craft to bring literacy to life.
Shiny Happy Kids: STEM DINOS ART MYTHOLOGY & More!
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(853)
Star Educator
Popular
Class
Play

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Beginner Level
Welcome to Imagination Adventures! Each class is a gateway into a world of creativity, combining the joy of reading with the excitement of hands-on crafting. Our class is structured to spark imagination, foster a love for stories, and develop artistic skills in a fun and engaging environment.

We begin with a warm welcome and a brief discussion about the story of the day (if you have a copy of the book at home, you are welcome to bring it to class, however this is not required). Children are encouraged to share their thoughts and predictions about the story they are about to hear.

Next, we dive into a new storybook, carefully selected to captivate young minds. The tales range from fantastical adventures to thought-provoking narratives, all age-appropriate and rich with imagination.

After the story, we will spend some time on reading comprehension skills. This may include questions like "who are the characters?", "what is the setting?", or "can you retell the story using words like 'beginning', 'middle', and 'end'?". We will also engage in social-emotional learning questions, such as "how do you think the main character felt in the middle of the story?, or "what do you do when you feel angry?". 

Finally, it’s time to get creative! We’ll make a craft that relates to the day’s story, helping to reinforce the narrative and themes. Crafts will vary from simple art projects like coloring and paper folding to more involved activities like building small models or creating storybook scenes. A supply list will be posted in the classroom each week, and will typically be items you already have at home. Because of the nature of the class, parent supervision will likely be needed. You know your child best, so if your child needs help with using scissors, glue, paint, etc, please stay by your child (but off camera) for the duration of the class.

By the end of each class, children will not only have a new book to add to their mental library but also a tangible creation that embodies their learning and creativity. Imaginative Adventures is more than just a class; it’s a stepping stone towards a lifelong appreciation for literature and the arts.

Join us on this imaginative journey where stories come alive, and every craft is a treasure trove of memories in the making! NOTE: the supplies listed below are items that are unique to that week. Please refer to the materials section of this class listing for items we will use on a weekly basis. 

SCHEDULING NOTE: I have 2 children that attend public elementary school, therefore I schedule my classes around their school holidays, breaks, and mandatory digital days. This explains why I have several random days throughout the year that I'm unable to teach. If your class is interrupted by my scheduling, I will be more than happy to transfer your child into another day/time for the same week so they don't miss out on any fun! 

2024 Weekly Schedule: 

Week of October 27 - Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Monster Party by Leslie Patricelli 
Week of November 3 - The Little Red Hen (Adapted Fable) (need a paper plate) ** NO CLASS on November 5**
Week of November 10 - Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson (need 2-3 cotton balls)
Week of November 17 - Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young
Week of November 24 - ** NO CLASS **
Week of December 1 - Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Adapted Fable)
Week of December 8 - If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff (need a paper plate)
Week of December 15 - The Gingerbread Man (Adapted Fable) (need 2-3 buttons)
Week of December 22 - ** NO CLASS **
Week of December 29 - ** NO CLASS **

2025 Schedule:
Week of January 5 - You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown (need a lunch-size brown paper bag, a 6 inch long piece of pink yarn)
Week of January 12 - How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon by Jane Yolen (need 6-8 small pompoms)
Week of January 19 - The Three Little Pigs (Adapted Fable)
Week of January 26 - Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson (need a lunch-size brown paper bag)
Week of February 2 - Happy: A Beginner’s Guide to Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards (need a pipe cleaner and 10 pony beads)
Week of February 9 - Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen  **NO CLASS on February 13**
Week of February 16 - Parts by Tedd Arnold
Week of February 23 - Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson (need a toilet paper tube, 30-40 inches of yarn)
Week of March 2 - The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle (need a paper plate) ** NO CLASS on March 6**
Week of March 9 - Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes 
Week of March 16 - It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman and Eric Metaxas (need a paper plate)
Week of March 23 - Hey Duck by Carin Bramsen (need a paper plate, need enough yellow craft feathers to cover the paper plate)
Week of March 30 - My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss (need a toilet paper tube, need purple tempera paint) 
Week of April 6: ** NO CLASS **
Week of April 13 - The Tortoise and the Hare (Adapted Fable) (need 2 popsicle sticks)

Future stories TBD.
Learning Goals
Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for your child to just be themselves! We want to instill a lifelong love for books. Adding reading comprehension after the story will help your child develop critical thinking and memory skills. This will also help with their focus and ability to solve problems. As a way to remember what the story was about, we will make a different DIY craft each week that relates to the book. Crafting helps children with their fine motor skills and helps build their confidence.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
Shiny Happy Kids is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, affirming space for all kinds of learners. Growing up as ND and gifted kids, our ND teachers understand the need for classrooms where everyone gets to shine!
Parental Guidance
Allergy Note: Playdough may contain wheat, which could cause an allergic reaction if ingested in those sensitive to wheat gluten or with Celiac disease. I am happy to provide a recipe for gluten-free playdough upon request, or suggest alternative supplies. Please provide adult assistance with cutting/scissor-use as needed per the parents' discretion and child's ability.
Supply List
**Access to a color printer is required for this class. Printed materials will be provided before each class. Not every class will need printed materials, but please check before the beginning of each class. 

Each day, we will use some or all of the following: 
Pencils
Paper
Construction paper
Scissors (please use children’s safety scissors)
Glue (I like to have both liquid glue and a glue stick because sometimes one is better than the other for certain crafts)
Tape (regular clear tape)
Markers/Crayons/Colored Pencils

Additional supplies will be posted prior to each class, but are usually common household items. Examples of additional supplies include tempera paint, paintbrushes, watercolor paint, toilet paper tubes, paper plates, brown paper lunch bags, paint, tissue paper, feathers, empty tissue boxes, popsicle sticks, etc. Your local variety store carries an assortment of these additional supplies, including plastic storage containers for easy organization. These are not required, but will be very helpful in your child having the best experience!
5.0
853reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Annette Frontz (Ms. Annette)
Florida Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Courtney Miranda Sprague (Miss Courtney)
Shiny Happy Kids teachers have been working with students ages 3-18 in a variety of settings, from art schools and STEAM labs to libraries, summer camps, forest school, and even RPG game tables.  One thing we all have in common is a dedication to creating safe, positive, inclusive spaces and experiences where kids can connect, experiment, be challenged, share their passions, and just be their wonderful selves.  We want you to SHINE!

From Miss Ashley: I have always loved to work with young children! Ever since I was a kid, I was very creative in coming up with unique ways of expressing myself. That uniqueness carried over into my adult life, and that is what brings me here today! I love being a part of a child’s yearn to learn and I believe that learning is always fun. I’m a mom to two amazing kiddos, both currently in elementary school. Before having my kids, I had 7 years experience in working with children primary-aged through elementary school. I was an assistant Pre-K teacher followed by working at various summer camps through my local Parks & Recreation department. I’ve worn many hats throughout life but my favorite one is being a mom. I love my wonderful husband, my amazing kiddos, my 3 crazy cats, sewing and gardening. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$16

weekly
1x per week
45 min

Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-9
2-6 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool