Grade level: K-2
Summary of lesson: This guide supports teachers in using children’s literature as a launch point for invention, problem-solving, and creative thinking with young elementary-age students. Example books include Abby Invents: Unbreakable Crayons (Arlyne Simon), Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak), If I Built a Car (Chris Van Dusen)
Time/Duration: Four, 30-45 min classes (can be repeated with each additional book as wanted)
Learning Principles:
- Learn how to identify problems that fictional characters face in books
- Understand emotional, physical and social challenges that characters face
- Brainstorm solutions for characters through discussion and drawing
- Build simple prototype solutions using recycled materials
- Be able to present solutions to the class
Subject areas/Standards:
K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3, CCSS.ELA. LITERACY.RL.K.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1, CCSS.ELA.LITERACY.SL.K.1/SL.1.1/SL.2.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.7/W.1.7/W.2.7
Breakdown of lessons:
Class 1: Read chosen book aloud; discuss problems that the characters encounter; make a list of the problems as a class
Class 2: Choose a problem from the class list and imagine solutions; discuss and draw possible solutions
Class 3: Choose one possible solution and build a prototype using simple materials
Class 4: Present prototypes
Materials:
- Assorted office materials such as:
- Paper
- Index cards
- Paper and binder clips
- Rubber bands
- Recycled materials such as:
- Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
- Folded thin cardboard (i.e., cereal boxes)
- Egg cartons
- Plastic or cardboard milk/juice containers
- Straws
- Packing materials (i.e. peanuts)
- Assorted plastic utensils
- Duct tape and masking tape
- Scissors
- Craft supplies such as felt, markers, and crayons
