Context for Challenge Students will step into the role of emotion scientists and creative designers as they build their very own Emo-Meter—a tool to help identify and express different emotional states. Their task? To create a 4-zone Emo-Meter that visually represents how strong an emotion is: Green Zone – Calm Yellow Zone – A little

Summary Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker is a fun and empowering story that shows young readers that everyone—even superheroes—has tough moments. The book introduces various superheroes who sometimes feel mad, sad, or frustrated. Instead of using their powers to lash out or cause chaos, these heroes choose positive ways to handle their

SEL Tip: Utilizing Pop Culture to Teach SEL Pop culture can be a powerful way to connect with students and help them develop important social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. Characters like superheroes and space explorers often face challenges that mirror what kids experience every day—frustration, failure, teamwork, and perseverance. This May, in honor of May the 4th

Context for Challenge Students will step into the role of imaginative engineers and emotional explorers to build their very own Magical Tree of Emotions! This challenge encourages students to express feelings through design while practicing engineering and creative thinking. Their mission? To create a 3D tree that can stand on its own—a tree that represents

Summary One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul tells the inspiring true story of Isatou Ceesay, a woman from Gambia who transformed her community through creativity and perseverance. In her village, plastic bags were everywhere—they littered the ground, strangled gardens, and caused harm to animals. People didn’t know how to get rid of them, so they

Earth Day SEL Reflections Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to help students reflect on their role in the world—not just as individuals, but as members of a shared environment. It’s a chance to explore big ideas like responsibility, empathy, and community care. By connecting Earth Day activities with social-emotional learning (SEL), you can inspire

Context for Challenge Students will become engineers and artists, tasked with building their own Happy Penguin, a new friend for Vana and Naosi! This challenge encourages creativity, problem-solving, and material exploration. Materials Set Up Prepare Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary materials ready beforehand and organize them so that they are easily accessible to

Summary The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander is a powerful, poetic tribute to the resilience, achievements, and struggles of Black Americans throughout history. The book highlights key figures from different eras, from the times of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, celebrating those who persevered in the face of adversity. The text is lyrical

Black History Month & Social-Emotional Learning Black History Month is a powerful time to help students develop social-emotional learning (SEL) skills by exploring stories of resilience, courage, and community. Learning about historical figures and their perseverance can inspire students to build empathy, strengthen their self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility. This month presents

Prototyping Winter Ziplines ✏️ “I noticed people’s LEGO zip line device kept exploding. I’m wondering if we could try this again out of cardboard & glue.” – 3rd grader (reflection) We don’t have enough drying time for glue (before testing it). Let me introduce to @Makedo tools & screws..#STEM #StudentLed pic.twitter.com/2LtBmi00pN — Ekuwah Mends Moses

Summary The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires tells the story of a young girl who is determined to build something truly magnificent. Equipped with a pile of materials and a great idea, she starts working on her project, but things don’t go as planned. Every time she tries to make her creation, it doesn’t

Context for Challenge Students will become engineers, tasked to build Rube Goldberg machines with teams to perform a simple task. The machine should utilize multiple steps and incorporate simple machines, such as levers, pulleys, and ramps. Materials Set Up Prepare Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary materials ready beforehand and organize them so that

As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time to help students set resolutions that focus on their social-emotional learning (SEL) goals. New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for adults – students can make resolutions too! Setting goals helps children develop resilience, improve their ability to work together, and learn how to manage their

Ways to Integrate SEL “Integrating social emotional learning into classroom practices encourages students to develop self-awareness, empathy, and practical communication skills.” @techysewell @edutopia 3 Ways to Integrate SEL Into Classroom Practiceshttps://t.co/wfe8ilEZ44 — MindShift (@MindShiftKQED) October 28, 2024 Benefits of Brain Breaks Brain breaks can: Relieve stress Improve focus Help us process what we’ve learned Explore

Summary “The Power of Yeti,” written by Rebecca Van Slyke and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, tells the story of a young boy who feels frustrated when he struggles to keep up with his friends. Whether it’s tying his shoes, scoring goals in soccer, or counting backward from 100, he finds himself falling short. One

Context for Challenge Students will become robotics engineers, tasked with designing a robot that can stand on its own legs and then kick a paper ball. Constraints and Success Criteria The robot must be able to stand independently and kick a ball made out of paper. The robot must also fit within a 12×12 inch

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring the fun and excitement of the holiday into your classroom while helping students develop essential social-emotional learning skills. By making connections between Halloween themes and SEL, teachers can foster creativity, empathy, and teamwork in a festive and engaging way. Here are some actionable

Utilizing Acting Techniques for SEL When students are nervous about speaking in class, breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups can help! ⭐ ️ Discover how to boost confidence with techniques borrowed from stage actors: https://t.co/IGeeA0uydC — edutopia (@edutopia) July 9, 2024 Like this tweet? Collaboration is our focus in Module 5! Loose Parts Play Have you

Summary “Swimmy,” written and illustrated by Leo Lionni, tells the story of a unique little fish who stands out from his school of red fish because he is black. One day, a hungry tuna fish gobbles up all of Swimmy’s companions, leaving him alone and frightened. As he swims through the ocean, he encounters many

Context for Challenge Students embark on a journey into the human brain, becoming theme park designers to build a brain-themed amusement park. Inspired by lessons on brain anatomy and the concepts of “Whoops, How, and Yet,” students create a 3D diorama or model showcasing the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and these key concepts. Constraints and Success

With the 2024 Paris Olympics captivating audiences worldwide, it’s an ideal time to bring the spirit of the games into your classroom. By making summer Olympics connections, teachers can help students develop essential social-emotional learning skills through teamwork and collaboration. Here are some actionable strategies to integrate Olympic-inspired teamwork lessons into your classroom. Highlight Olympic

6 Ways to Practice Empathy ⭐Incorporating empathy in the classroom is crucial for creating a safe and caring environment. Actively listen, acknowledge feelings, and offer support to make students feel understood and valued.https://t.co/AvrH2c7GO4 @diben#sel #edutwitter #teaching pic.twitter.com/VPcvhCxPY3 — Next Up: AI for EDU Conference (@TCEA) July 5, 2024 Like this tweet? Collaboration is our focus

Summary “Sticks” by Diane Alter begins on a hot summer day, a popsicle melts into a sad little stick. Feeling useless, the stick laments its fate until Twig, a friendly voice from a tree, encourages it. Twig reminds Stick that it was once part of a tree and introduces it to Pencil and Brush, who

Context for Challenge Students embark on an imaginative journey back to 1955 to the grand opening of Disneyland, where they meet Walt Disney, the visionary behind the iconic theme park. Inspired by Disney’s story of perseverance and innovation, students must build a unique amusement park ride using simple machines. Constraints and Success Criteria The ride

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time for teachers to rethink their classroom layouts and organization to better support social-emotional learning for the upcoming school year. By creating a space that promotes SEL, you can help students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Here are some strategies to consider as you prepare for a

8 Tips for Active Listening Are you wanting to become a more active listener? Here are eight tips for incorporating and modeling active listening in your classroom.https://t.co/U2QLzthvWS#cpchat #satchat #suptchat #apchat #edleaders #leadership pic.twitter.com/H27RQWhb7z — (@TCEA) May 18, 2024 Like this tweet? Collaboration is our focus in Module 5! How to Communicate Across Languages Use these

Summary “Busy Beaver” by Nicholas Oldland tells the story of a beaver whose carelessness causes chaos in the forest. His hasty work leaves dams leaking, trees half-chewed, and results in accidents with other animals. After being injured by a falling tree, he realizes the damage he’s caused and commits to changing his ways. He makes

Context for Challenge Students embark on an imaginative journey back to the Crystal Palace Convention in 1853 in New York City, where they meet Elisha Otis, the innovative mind behind the safety elevator. Inspired by Otis’s groundbreaking invention and engineering, students must build a drop tower ride using the principles of the pulley system that

As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to help students maintain their social-emotional learning (SEL) skills over the summer. While they won’t have the same classroom structure, they can still practice these skills with their families and friends. Here are a few straightforward yet powerful ways your students and their families can

Conflict Resolution Choice Board Wanting to work with your students on conflict resolution? Try using a Wheel of Choiceshttps://t.co/XdHApmP5UW @emilyforedu#classroommangement #teaching #cooltools pic.twitter.com/yIclGr1USq — (@TCEA) April 26, 2024 Like this tweet? Collaboration is our focus in Module 5! Engineering Wall of Fame I updated the hallway display our students call the “Engineering Wall of Fame”

Summary “Taco Falls Apart” by Brenda S. Miles delves into the struggles of Taco, who feels overwhelmed by expectations to always be perfect. Taco reaches his breaking point, falling apart both literally and emotionally, reflecting the pressure he feels to maintain composure. Through the support of his food friends, Taco learns about the “Think-Feel-Do” cycle,

Context for Challenge Students embark on an imaginative journey back to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, where they meet George Ferris, the brilliant mind behind the original Ferris wheel. Inspired by Ferris’s innovative design and engineering, students must build a Ferris Wheel using the principles of wheel and axle that Ferris applied.

As the school year comes to a close, schools burst into a whirlwind of activities. There’s field trips, graduation ceremonies, and spring concerts, just to name a few. These events offer a unique opportunity to integrate social-emotional learning into the celebrations and transitions. Here are some ideas to incorporate SEL into spring events, ensuring students

How We Learn from Mistakes ⚡ ? ⚡https://t.co/RYVFnsd2Wq via @TeachThought #learning #edutwitter #educhat pic.twitter.com/B6ZZQ3Rx74 — (@TCEA) March 25, 2024 Learning That Builds ✅ “New learning is connected to prior learning and experience” (NEPF S.1) Students built their 1st cantilever bridge with @Kevaplanks during the last 6-day rotation. Today, this same group of 5th graders almost

Summary “The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon” by Matthew Burgess explores whimsical strategies for dealing with stubbornly grouchy characters. The narrative suggests various techniques, from asking, distracting, and offering treats, to more drastic measures like getting them in trouble or even considering a “humongous nudge.” Yet, the book warns against actions that might worsen the curmudgeon’s mood, like

Context for Challenge Students go on a time-traveling adventure to ancient Mesopotamia, circa 3500 B.C.E., where they meet Nasaba, an innovator who revolutionized pottery making with the world’s first wheel and axle. They must build a merry-go-round using the principles of the wheel and axle introduced by Nasaba. Constraints and Success Criteria The constructed merry-go-round

As the academic year winds down, the importance of consolidating students’ social-emotional learning skills becomes crucial. If you haven’t had the chance to prioritize certain SEL activities, it’s not too late to ensure your students are not only academically prepared for the next grade but are also emotionally and socially equipped. Here’s an SEL to-do

Nurturing Hidden Potential Really enjoyed chatting with @AdamMGrant for @edutopia about the things schools can do to identify and nurture students who don’t always display early academic success, but who have tons of hidden potential just waiting to be tapped into. https://t.co/8vgbjgozLt — Andrew Boryga (@borywrites) February 26, 2024 How Perspective Impacts Apologies and Forgiveness

Summary “Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon” by Simian Feet Singh tells the remarkable life journey of Fauja Singh, who became the oldest marathon runner at the age of 100. Born in Punjab, India, with physical challenges that led many to believe he would never

Context for Challenge Students embark on a journey to ancient Rome to explore how Claudius, the inventor of the aqueduct. He famously solved the city’s water shortage problem using gravity. Inspired by Claudius’s innovative solution to control the water’s flow into Rome, they must build mini aqueducts. The challenge requires students to apply their understanding

As we approach standardized testing season, the pressure to ensure our students perform well academically is at the forefront. However, integrating social-emotional learning into test preparation can play a pivotal role in not only boosting academic performance but also in fostering well-rounded, resilient students. Here’s how you can enhance test prep with SEL, focusing on

Integrating STEM and SEL When one educator combined stories about social skills with robotics instruction, her special ed students learned important lessons about friendship and tech. https://t.co/SFLa1So3i0 — edutopia (@edutopia) February 1, 2024 Breaking Down Problems When kids ask for help, break the problem down to pinpoint exactly what they are struggling with and make

Summary “Flight School” by Lita Judge is a heartwarming tale about a determined penguin who believes he has the soul of an eagle and dreams of flying. Despite the obvious challenge – penguins are not built to fly – the protagonist enrolls in flight school, holding onto his ambition with unwavering faith. The story unfolds

Context for Challenge Students are transported back to the 1880s to assist Lamarcus Thompson, the inventor of the roller coaster, in overcoming technological limitations to bring his concept to life. Students explore the potential of simple machines and must build inclined planes to create movement and acceleration using only gravity. Constraints and Success Criteria The

Early in the new year, teachers may be deep in the process of writing progress reports. This time presents a unique opportunity to communicate not just academic progress but also the growth in social-emotional learning that students have achieved. SEL has become a crucial part of elementary education. It focuses on the development of important

Embedding SEL within Math Can you really tackle social and emotional learning *while* you teach math at the elementary level? These 3 activities help you do both seamlessly. pic.twitter.com/d5S0oYyro3 — edutopia (@edutopia) December 12, 2023 — (@TCEA) November 25, 2023 Engaging More Students with Hand Signals Help your class discussions engage *every* learner. Hand gestures

Summary “Elephants Cannot Dance!” by Mo Willems is a heartwarming and humorous story about Gerald the elephant, who initially believes that elephants cannot dance. The story unfolds as Gerald’s friends encourage him to give dancing a try despite his doubts. The friends embark on a dance journey together, attempting various moves and having fun along

Context for Challenge Students visit to ancient Greece to meet Cynisca, the first woman to win in the Olympic Games. This historical adventure not only highlights a significant figure who overcame gender barriers but also introduces students to the concept of leveraging simple machines in sports. Students must design an original game. Constraints and Success

Social-emotional learning has become key in elementary education. It highlights crucial life skills beyond just academics. Educators work to boost SEL’s effectiveness. New trends are appearing as old ones fade. These changes better meet the needs of today’s students. We’re assessing the SEL landscape. Out with the Old: Isolated SEL Lessons Gone are the days

Collaborative Conversation BINGO Enhance collaborative conversations in your classroom with this self-monitoring bingo card! Keep your students focused and engaged while promoting active listening and participation via @BASDLitCoaches#edutwitter #k12 #teaching pic.twitter.com/MHIRJpqwiC — (@TCEA) November 25, 2023 Like this tweet? Collaboration is our focus in Module 5! High School Design Challenges Imagine teenagers getting so amped

Summary “Stuck” by Oliver Jeffers begins with Floyd’s kite getting stuck in a tree. As he tries to retrieve it, things escalate when his shoe, and later another, get stuck as well. In a chain reaction of throwing objects to dislodge the stuck items, everything ends up lodged in the tree. Floyd’s attempts involve a

Context for Challenge Students embark on a mission to design rides for Bill Marriott’s amusement park by learning from historical inventors. They travel to 405 B.C.E. to meet Dionysius the Elder, a Greek tyrant who innovated warfare with a lever-based boulder launcher. Dionysius shares his invention’s mechanism, highlighting the lever’s parts: beam, fulcrum, and load.

As the holiday season approaches, elementary teachers often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between festive excitement and maintaining a focused learning environment. Special events, concerts, and class parties create a buzz of anticipation, making it challenging to keep students engaged in traditional lessons. Fear not, dear educators! Imagineerz is here with some tips to

Student-Made Tilt Mazes Students worked with a partner to design, build, & test a tilt maze. They used cardboard, @Makedo scrus, scru-drivers, rubber bands, a ruler, and a marble. The maze had to include a start , a finish , and three 2-D shapes. A final sketch & written reflection followed. #STEM pic.twitter.com/ukrCtixPmX — Ekuwah

Summary “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole” by Mac Barnett follows the adventures of Sam and Dave, who are determined to discover something spectacular as they dig a hole. As they encounter various challenges and change their plans, readers learn the valuable lesson that persistence and perseverance are key in achieving extraordinary outcomes. The book

Context for Challenge On the opening day of Great America, an amusement park in California, Bill Marriott faces a crisis. His mascot has been scared away, and the park’s supply of churros has been devoured. Enter Special Agent L and team, tasked with creating a new mascot for the park. Students must design a mascot

With the holiday season fast approaching, teachers have the perfect opportunity to discuss cultural and religious diversity. It can also be challenging for teachers to create an inclusive environment while acknowledging various cultural and religious beliefs. At Imagineerz, we value the importance of fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes respect for all. Let’s

Helping Students Identify Their Emotions Try these strategies to help students develop the emotional literacy skillset that will allow them to better understand—and react—to their feelings. https://t.co/awiUlwR9gZ — edutopia (@edutopia) September 25, 2023 Like this tweet? Emotional regulation is our focus in Module 0! Being Valued vs. Being Needed In everyday life, it’s better to

Summary “The Magical Yet” by Angela DiTerlizzi tells the story of a child who faces various difficulties and setbacks, like not being able to ride a bike. The child is introduced to the concept of “yet,” which is like a magical helper that reminds the child that they may not be able to do something

Challenge Design a Martian model that incorporates at least two vital survival elements: a brain featuring distinct amygdala and pre-frontal cortex sections, and the capability to transport a tank of Martian air (represented by a Wiffle ball). Constraints and Success Criteria The Martian must have a clearly labeled amygdala and pre-frontal cortex within its brain

Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment is essential for effective teaching and learning. One powerful way to achieve this is by involving students in the process of crafting classroom agreements or group norms. These agreements set the tone for respectful behavior, collaboration, and mutual understanding. Start with Open Dialogue Begin the process by engaging

SEL Practices to Start the Day How do you start the day in your classroom? https://t.co/uGX6lGVfup via @Pathwy2Success#sel #teaching #educators pic.twitter.com/hmJpqaUDdX — (@TCEA) August 17, 2023 Brainstorming, Brainstorming, Brainstorming Eureka moments are overrated. Effort is underrated. Data: your first idea is rarely your best idea. The more time you spend brainstorming, the more space you

Summary In “A Thousand No’s” by D.J. Corchin, the main character has a great idea but faces numerous rejections. Despite the weight of the “no’s,” her idea evolves and grows as more people contribute their own perspectives. Eventually, on the thousandth “no,” the character realizes that the idea has transformed into something entirely different, and

Challenge Invent musical instruments for the astronauts, who plan to create a Martian music video using a special orbital camera. This camera, designed to orbit Mars with minimal thrust due to the planet’s weaker gravity, will capture their interstellar jam session. Constraints and Success Criteria Instruments must be innovative and suitable for use in a

The beginning of the school year holds immense significance as it sets the stage for the educational journey ahead. K-5 educators play a pivotal role in creating a classroom environment that is not only conducive to learning but also nurtures students’ social-emotional growth. Here’s our top suggestions for SEL strategies to start the school year.

Reach Out to Just One Person for Help When you need help, it’s better to ping one person than a group. Data: messages to multiple recipients get fewer and less helpful replies. Diffusion of responsibility kicks in: “I’m not needed—someone else will do it!” Generosity rises with a sense of unique contribution. pic.twitter.com/Ng3ZjNMGtg — Adam

Summary “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson celebrates the journey of finding one’s voice and belonging in a world where no one else is quite like you. It explores moments of self-discovery, connecting with others through shared experiences and unique differences, ultimately embracing the power of individuality. Comprehension Questions Six questions aligned to Bloom’s

Challenge Design Martian backpacks equipped with tools essential for exploring Mars’s diverse landscape. You’ll be exploring caves and mountains in search of water, life, and potentially, fossils! Constraints and Success Criteria The backpack must include a minimum of three tools designed specifically for Martian exploration. The tools should focus on the Martian environment, aiding in

Summer break offers an opportunity for students to relax, explore new interests, and spend quality time with their families. However, for teachers, there’s a critical aspect to consider during this time: how to support and nurture students’ social-emotional development during the summer months. Engaging parents during the summer can play a crucial role in maintaining

At Imagineerz, we believe that in order for teachers to successfully facilitate social-emotional learning with students, they must first participate in those same learning experiences. The following is an activity principals can facilitate during a staff meeting that teachers can modify to use with their students. Building strong relationships and fostering empathy among teachers is

Growth Mindset Anchor Charts Check out all of these ANCHOR CHARTS & POSTERS from @Zearned to download for free https://t.co/tcqkKbukeV #edutwitter #teachertwitter pic.twitter.com/5RQRP5qUHb — (@TCEA) June 20, 2023 Like this tweet? Our focus is growth mindset in Module 3! Struggle ➡️ Success Struggling in an area outside your comfort zone doesn’t crush confidence. It motivates

Summary In “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae, Gerald is a tall giraffe with crooked knees, thin legs — and no confidence in his dancing abilities. Every year, the animals from al over gather for the jungle dance, and Gerald feels sad. The other animals mock him, and Gerald walks away feeling useless and alone.

Challenge Design a Martian sport that capitalizes on the planet’s reduced gravity, enabling lighter movements and higher jumps. Constraints and Success Criteria The sport must be playable under Martian conditions, emphasizing Mars’ lower gravity. Creativity in utilizing the Martian environment’s unique aspects is encouraged. Materials You do not need any testers for this challenge. Set

As the school year comes to a close, teachers often find themselves in need of some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation. The months before the September presents an excellent opportunity for educators to prioritize wellness this summer and recharge for the upcoming academic year. Unplug and Disconnect Teachers are constantly connected in the digital world through

The ABC’s of Growth Mindset The ABC’s of self-talk #Sketchnote via @kwiens62 pic.twitter.com/SWDyox69rK — MindShift (@MindShiftKQED) May 20, 2023 Like this tweet? Our focus is growth mindset in Module 3! Feel ➡️ Accept ➡️ Manage ➡️ Share This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, The @mentalhealthcln wants you to feel all your feelings — and share them. View free resources and learn more throughout

Summary In “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, Vashti overcomes her belief that she can’t draw with encouragement from her art teacher, who suggests she start with a single dot. Surprised to see her dot framed in class the next day, Vashti is inspired to explore her creativity further, experimenting with colors and patterns. Her

Challenge Design a parachute to safely slow down a landing capsule, ensuring a gentle and upright touchdown on Mars. Constraints and Success Criteria The landing system must effectively decelerate a Dixie cup, symbolizing the landing capsule, from a considerable height. The capsule must land vertically without tipping over or landing too harshly. Materials This challenge

As the school year draws to a close, K-5 teachers must be ready to offer support students struggling with the transition to summer and the next grade level. It’s essential for educators to recognize these challenges and equip their students with social-emotional learning strategies to navigate them successfully. In this blog post, we will share

STEM Critical Thinking Questions Use these critical thinking question stems to encourage students to embrace the discomfort of grappling with ideas and develop their critical thinking skills. https://t.co/LiNNkwxWw1 via @teachthought#iteach #k12 #skillbuilding pic.twitter.com/q6Bdg6NlxE — (@TCEA) April 17, 2023 New Growth Mindset Meta Analysis One reason for conflicting evidence is that growth mindset scores, which researchers

Summary In “Not Yet” by Lisa Cox and Lori Hockema, Lorisa contextualizes her successes and failures with her future aspirations. She notices patterns and draws connections between what she can (and can’t) do right now and how her experiences prepare her to do more as she grows. Climbing a rock wall will enable her to

Challenge Create connected bio bubbles linked by airtight pathways. The design must allow an astronaut, represented by a Wiffle ball, to traverse between bubbles without external exposure, simulating a safeguard against the inhospitable Martian air. Constraints and Success Criteria The bio bubbles and connecting pathways must be completely sealed, preventing any air or gases from

Real-World Design Thinking Solutions How skyscrapers are cleaned after dust storms in Dubai pic.twitter.com/LfOhAHUT5G — H0W_THlNGS_W0RK (@HowThingsWork_) September 26, 2022 Breathwork 101 Cyclic sighing is one of the most effective (and simplest) techniques I’ve ever learned. 1. Inhale through your nose, stopping short of the top of your breath. 2. Pause. 3. Inhale completely to

Summary “Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle” by Chris Raschka is written in a style accessible to readers who might also be learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. In the story, a little girl works with her grandfather to learn to ride a bike. Their process spans her becoming interested to

Challenge Create a bio bubble. The bio bubble must be large enough for astronauts to comfortably move around in and include entry and exit points for transitioning between different activity bubbles. Constraints and Success Criteria The shelter must be hermetically-sealed. Must accommodate sleeping, eating, and recreational activities. Requires entry and exit points for movement between

Using AI Tools with Students #AI has been advancing at a crazy pace! It’s no longer just a sci-fi dream. With a ton of AI tools, we can all have our own personal assistants!https://t.co/PLtaqmdFX9 via @jmattmiller#edtech #teachertwitter #cooltools pic.twitter.com/K4SwbzY72F — (@TCEA) February 22, 2023 SEL Needs in Schools “Why do we ask so few adults

Summary “Brave Irene” by William Steig begins with Irene’s mother, a dress maker for the Duchess, falling sick the day of the royal ball. Little Irene volunteers to deliver her dress to the palace. Before leaving, Irene tends to her sick mother and carefully packages the dress with tissue paper in a large yellow box.

Challenge Build a rocket ship that can withstand the tricks of the Blame, Complain, and Give-Up Trolls and successfully launch into orbit. Constraints and Success Criteria The rocket must be designed to resist sabotage attempts by the trolls, such as obstructions in rocket boosters or walkways. It should include features or systems that counteract the

Modeling Empathy with Students Teachers, learn how to incorporate empathy into your classroom so you can better understand and support your students. https://t.co/Vh9SZtypL5 @diben#SchoolSuccess #sel #teachertwitter pic.twitter.com/EapS4zhJR3 — (@TCEA) January 17, 2023 Like this tweet? Our focus is collaboration in Module 5! Environment > Willpower When the going gets tough, you can’t rely solely on

Summary In “Anything Is Possible” by Giulia Belloni, a sheep observes a flock of birds flying overhead and is inspired to create a flying machine in order to see the world the way they do. She approaches her friend, a wolf, to help. He is initially skeptical that it can be done, but ultimately agrees

Challenge Build a calming space helmet equipped with 3-5 calming activities. These activities should be easily accessible to astronauts in moments of stress, to help them regain their composure and focus on their mission. Constraints and Success Criteria The helmet must fit completely over the head, ensuring it is both practical and safe for space.

Purdue Kids STEM Degree Dig into these cool #STEM videos for K-8 students from Purdue University’s College of #Science. Students earn a STEM degree at the end!https://t.co/t17tfoLxlT #stem #learning #edutwitter pic.twitter.com/hrLPfV2tCT — (@TCEA) December 19, 2022 How Are You Feeling? App Haven you downloaded the @HowWeFeel app? Hear what @BritandCo has to say about its

Summary The book “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes” by Todd Parr is a perfect SEL read aloud for younger readers. It presents a dozen scenarios in which children (and even some grown ups) may feel embarrassed or ashamed with reassurance that these things are “okay”; they can ultimately be fixed, allow you to learn, or

Challenge Design unique space aliens to help Captain Smith’s crew acclimate to extraterrestrial beings. These aliens must be capable of standing independently on legs that are thinner than two fingers. Constraints and Success Criteria The aliens designed must be stable enough to stand on their own, with legs no thicker than two fingers. Creativity and

Pairing Emotions to Music Our school district @FPSFarmingtonCT uses the @rulerapproach in our #music curriculum in multiple ways, here grade 3 is listening and describing the mood of music while developing #EmotionalIntelligence here’s an ex. @FarmingtonUns @marcbrackett @NAfME pic.twitter.com/U8cPGgad7j — Farmington Music (@FarmingtonMUSIC) November 22, 2022 Metacognition Questions IMPROVE metacognition with these 9 questions.https://t.co/5lvoQjJvZp via

Summary In “The Book of Mistakes” by Corinna Luyken, a girl draws a picture — first of a girl, then of her immediate surroundings, and eventually of her entire world. She reflects on every step along her artistic journey. These include the things that go according to her plan, her mistakes, and even her attempts

Context and Challenge The mayor has unveiled a challenge posed by the persistent Traffic Jam Trolls, who symbolize the negative habits of blaming, complaining, and giving up. These trolls are metaphors for the obstacles we face daily and our reactions to them. The challenge is to recognize these moments as opportunities to exercise our “superpower”

Articulating Our Emotions He described every feeling I was having at the exact same points pic.twitter.com/shSYolXR5r — OnlyZans (@OnlyZans) September 12, 2022 Like this tweet? Our focus is emotional regulation in Module 0! Persistence vs. Obstinance There’s a fine line between persistence and obstinance. Persistence is refusing to give up on a difficult goal. Obstinance

Summary “The Bad Seed” by Jory John is the story of a sunflower seed, who has come to see himself as a bad seed. He does all kinds of things — big and small — that annoy and inconvenience other the seeds. They talk about him behind his back, and he knows it. He used

Context and Challenge Platinum Patroller, known for his incredible weight, desires to sleep on the top bunk without endangering Arachnikid, who sleeps below. This presents a significant challenge that requires innovative architectural solutions to prevent any accidents. Construct a bunkbed that can support Platinum Patroller’s weight on the top bunk without collapsing onto Arachnikid below.

Productive Struggle Learning to work through productive struggle together today with a challenging rich task! @pgliljedahl @HFLMS pic.twitter.com/H5RirgvCqv — Rob Sanford (@HFLEdTech) September 14, 2022 Like this tweet? Our focus is growth mindset in Module 1! Visibly-Random Groupings These are good ideas for grouping on non-lab days. For high schoolers, I will have to make

Summary In “Jabari Jumps” by Gaia Cornwall, after a series of swimming lessons, Jabari goes to the swimming pool with his dad and sister and tells them he is finally ready to jump off the diving board. Walking towards the diving board and climbing the first rungs of the ladder, Jabari shows and voices hesitation.

Context and Challenge Evil villains Evil Egghead, Sir Ion, and Magnidude have united to wreak havoc on Superhero Metropolis by launching trolls into playgrounds using their nefarious Troll-Flinger 5000. This has led to the destruction of playgrounds, depriving children of safe play spaces. Create playground structures that can endure the onslaught of the Troll-Flinger 5000.

Thinking Routine Toolbox I didn’t know about this resource, so dropping it here for others who didn’t either!!! TONS of discussion protocols!! https://t.co/fjt262jMwI — Alex Shevrin Venet (@AlexSVenet) July 29, 2022 The Museum of Failure There’s a “Museum of Failure” in Sweden which highlights 150+ failed products. It’s meant to show that innovation requires risk-taking

Summary In “My Strong Mind” by Neils van Hove, some things come easily for Kate, but she can’t help but focus on the things that are hard, such as getting ready for school on time, doing cartwheels with her friends, and speaking in front of her class. They are even harder because Kate ends up

Context and Challenge Superhero Metropolis is under siege by MagniDude, a villain causing devastating earthquakes. Teamed up with the troublesome traffic-jam trolls — Blame Troll, Complain Troll, and Give-Up Troll — they’ve destroyed the city’s beloved statues. These villains bring chaos and despair, with MagniDude shaking the ground and the trolls spreading negativity with their

Turn and Learn pic.twitter.com/wqLr7t8LYm — Kimberly Melchor (@KimberlyMelcho6) July 8, 2022 Like this tweet? Our focus is collaboration in Module 5! Bad Motivation Bingo It’s hard to change people’s values. It’s easier to appeal to the values they already hold. When you push your principles, people shut down. If you speak to their principles, they

Summary In “A Splash of Red” by Jen Bryant, Horace Pippin was a boy with big hands who loved to make art. Because he was so big and strong, he had many responsibilities in his family, but he drew pictures whenever free time he had. His classmates loved his artwork, and he even won a

Context and Challenge Superhero Metropolis has a new hero, ArachniKid, known for her unique ability to swing between skyscrapers with bubblegum strands. However, she faces a significant challenge in her quest to protect the city: the lack of skyscrapers prevents her from effectively catching villains like the elusive Windsurfer. The city needs innovative architects to

“I’m done!” and “I’m not done yet!” are two of the most common things you’ll hear during building time. We’ve got you covered with ways to respond to tricky student language that you always seem to hear just as building time is starting or right before it’s over. “I’m Done!” If one of your students

Get ready for a laugh-filled Module 5 preview —  all through hilarious GIFs taken straight from our video lessons! From brilliant ideas to delightful mishaps, we’ll show you the ups and downs of creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re a student, educator, or just here for the fun, let’s dive into the fun side of innovation!

Redefining Smart What does it mean to be “smart”? Seth Godin (@ThisIsSethsBlog ) offers a characteristically astute answer. pic.twitter.com/bYjyXu2eNQ — Daniel Pink (@DanielPink) June 9, 2022 Avoiding Pessimism Is Key Optimism has little bearing on health. Avoiding pessimism matters more. 61 studies, 221k people: health is predicted more by the absence of pessimism than the

Summary In “After the Fall by Dan Santat, Humpty Dumpty goes into greater detail about the emotional toll his accident had on him long after the king’s men were able to physically restore him. He wasn’t the same at his fall. He was too scared to return to the wall where he once watched birds,

Context and Challenge A unique challenge has arisen with the Platinum Patroller’s arrival in Superhero Metropolis. The Platinum Patroller is a superhero known not only by his heroic deeds but also for the extraordinary weight of his platinum suit. In fact, all that weight has started causing problems. A bridge just collapsed under the weight

To truly embed growth mindset strategies in your students, it’s crucial these approaches are supported at home. Encouraging parents to reinforce these principles can significantly amplify their impact. Here are our recommendations to improve parent emails. Facilitate Car Ride and Dinner Time Conversations One of the most effective ways to reinforce growth mindset outside of

Get ready for a laugh-filled Module 4 preview —  all through hilarious GIFs taken straight from our video lessons! From brilliant ideas to delightful mishaps, we’ll show you the ups and downs of creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re a student, educator, or just here for the fun, let’s dive into the fun side of innovation!

Design thinking is an innovative problem-solving method that has been used by individuals and organizations around the world to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. With its focus on empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing, design thinking provides a framework for students to develop their critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. Here are some

Design thinking is a problem-solving process that can help students think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. When students engage in design thinking, they are encouraged to think outside the box, work collaboratively, and be persistent in the face of setbacks. As students move up in grade levels, the complexity of their design

Design thinking is an innovative problem-solving approach that can be adapted for any grade level, including third grade. By introducing design thinking, you can help students develop their creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can implement design thinking in your third-grade classroom. Here are some tips

Design thinking is a valuable skill that can benefit students of all ages, including second graders. With its focus on problem-solving and creativity, design thinking can help students develop important critical thinking and collaboration skills that they can use throughout their lives. In this blog post, we will explore how second grade teachers can introduce

Design thinking is a great way to help students develop their problem-solving skills and creativity, and it can be adapted to different age groups. In this blog post, we’ll focus on how first-grade teachers can introduce design thinking to their students and provide engaging activities that they’ll enjoy. Introducing Design Thinking to First Graders The

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that encourages students to think creatively and critically. It’s a process that can be taught to students of any age, including Kindergarten students. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to introduce design thinking to Kindergarteners and provide some accessible and relevant design thinking challenges for this grade level.

Feel Your Feelings Happy #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! This May, we’re focused on feelings: identifying them, sharing them, and most importantly, FEELING them. pic.twitter.com/2H4c1QrokF — The Mental Health Coalition (@mentalhealthcln) May 2, 2022 Like this tweet? Our focus is emotional regulation in Module 0! Don’t Forget You Can… Motivation going into the weekend, go easy on yourself! pic.twitter.com/BT44F1oy5O

Summary In “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pete and Gary Rubinstein, Beatrice wakes up on the day of the school talent show and completes her morning routine. She gets dressed, makes her bed, feeds her hamster, and packs lunch for her brother Carl. She remembers to do everything, and she does everything

Context and Challenge Superhero Metropolis faces a crisis after Sir Ion, a super villain with the ability to control metal, demolished nearly all the city’s bridges in a fit of rage sparked by an embarrassing incident involving chocolate pudding. His actions were a response to public laughter, leading to a sudden and destructive use of

Introducing innovative and simple materials into your classroom can significantly enhance creativity and engagement among students. Rubber bands, binder clips, and hot glue guns are three such resources. While seemingly mundane, they can transform the learning environment and encourage students to explore their inventive potential. Here’s how we think you can use hot glue in

Get ready for a laugh-filled Module 3 preview —  all through hilarious GIFs taken straight from our video lessons! From brilliant ideas to delightful mishaps, we’ll show you the ups and downs of creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re a student, educator, or just here for the fun, let’s dive into the fun side of innovation!

Don’t Skip Dominos Don’t skip the first three dominos. pic.twitter.com/HEY4YKvtH8 — Janis Ozolins (@OzolinsJanis) March 28, 2022 Recognize-Understand-Label-Express-Regulate You’ll always have emotions. It’s time to learn how to deal with them! – @marcbrackett from his book “Permission to feel” pic.twitter.com/euz1sLvI1U — Saba Yazdani (@saba_yazdani) March 24, 2022 Make It Your Explicit Goal to Be Uncomfortable

Summary In “What Do You Do with a Chance?” by Kobi Yamada, a little boy gets a chance one day. It appears in the form of a shiny golden origami butterfly, but it could represent anything. The chance flies all around the boy, but he isn’t sure what to do with it. When he starts

Context for Challenge The Amazing Brainiac is facing a unique challenge with their new roommate, the Incorrigible Sulk, who possesses immense strength and a quick temper. Her reactions can escalate quickly, so Brainiac is looking for a solution to accommodate Sulk’s dual nature of strength and need for tranquility. Design a room that is robust

Sharing i-Can! Stories in the classroom is a dynamic and engaging way to imbue students with a growth mindset while reviewing key problem-solving strategies. These narratives serve as a creative avenue to visualize challenges and triumphs, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning. Here’s how you can effectively share i-Can! Stories with students. i-Can!

Get ready for a laugh-filled Module 1 preview —  all through hilarious GIFs taken straight from our video lessons! From brilliant ideas to delightful mishaps, we’ll show you the ups and downs of creativity and problem-solving. Whether you’re a student, educator, or just here for the fun, let’s dive into the fun side of innovation!

Wellbeing Bingo A really easy way to check in with my tutees… The most interesting fact involved a bumhole and 2 raccoons ‍♀️ #formtutorsarevital #studentwellbeing pic.twitter.com/TE74xEPNi8 — Naomi-Jane Roche (@NaomiJaneRoche) February 17, 2022 Kid Hotline Offers Advice An inspired art project that teaches empathy. Imagine if we liberated all teachers & kids from the tyranny

Summary In “When Sophie Thinks She Can’t…” by Molly Bang, Sophie is a little girl who loves gardening. One day, when she is struggling to solve a jigsaw puzzle, her older sister walks up and solves it for her, telling her she wasn’t smart enough to solve it herself. The next day at school, Sophie

In the world of design thinking challenges, the materials you provide can spark the imagination and creativity of your students. Ensuring you have an ample and varied stock of materials is essential for fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. Here’s a deeper dive into managing and maximizing your materials for optimal student engagement and

 Context for Challenge The Amazing Brainiac, known for her incredible intellect and crime prediction abilities, faces ridicule from her nemesis, Egghead. Egghead has constructed a new, sophisticated lair, taunting Brainiac over her outdated mountain-top hideout. To address this, the League of Heroes has enlisted our assistance. Design a secret hideout for the Amazing Brainiac.

Maximizing classroom time for hands-on activities is crucial in fostering a conducive environment for creativity, experimentation, and growth. By adhering to our structure, you give students the freedom to explore, fail, and ultimately, learn from their experiences. Here’s how to maximize your hands-on building time. Encouraging Broad Thinking Students thrive when given at least 45

Context for Challenge Madame Amazonia, a superhero known for her ability to communicate with animals and her dedication to environment, has tasked us with a unique mission. Create animal sidekicks that can physically stand on their own, supporting Madame Amazonia’s environmental missions. These sidekicks must have legs, excluding the possibility of designing animals like snakes,

Reframing Your Thoughts From @EdgarCayceARE on Twitter: Your thoughts create your reality. In 2022, develop a growth mindset by becoming aware of what you are thinking. Challenge negative thoughts. Reframing them to something positive can make a huge impact. They can turn into actions that alter the course of your future. into actions that alter the

Encountering obstacles is an inevitable part of any learning journey. How students respond to these obstacles can significantly impact their growth and development. To support students in navigating challenges with a positive mindset, we encourage the use of a transformative acronym. Remember Whoops! How? and Yet. This linguistic shift is not just about word choice;

Summary “Your Fantastic Elastic Brain” by Joanne Deak explores the amazing capabilities of the human brain. Through engaging explanations and illustrations, it teaches young readers about different parts of the brain—such as the cerebrum for thinking, the cerebellum for movement, and the amygdala for emotions—and their unique functions. The book emphasizes the brain’s ability to

Social-Emotional Learning Bingo Teaching during the COVID pandemic has been uniquely challenging, and with the new variant, January may be an especially difficult period due to staff absences or temporary return to remote learning. We wanted to share this resource from last year to support teachers in having a joyful and restorative holiday break and highlighting the

Understanding the brain’s inner workings can empower children with the knowledge they need to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. At Imagineerz, we’ve crafted a unique approach that incorporates chant and visuals to demystify the complexities of the brain. We think it’s important for students to know the amygdala and the pre-frontal cortex. This method engages

Summary In “Thanks for the Feedback… I Think?” by Julia Cook, RJ struggles with receiving and interpreting feedback from others, including compliments, advice, and occasionally even unfriendly comments. His journey begins with him questioning how to respond, as his reactions vary from self-doubt to defensive. Through various interactions—with his sister, a classmate named Norma, his

Reasons for Design Thinking Gr8 Qs #1 is strengthening one’s empathetic posture (my reason for teaching DT) Skills so many to list: unpacking, synthesizing, defining, reflection Ways to gain Empathy: Observe, Engage, Immerse#DEEPdt #dtk12chat #designthinking pic.twitter.com/ytpnu5Betz — Mary Cantwell (@scitechyEDU) December 2, 2019 Like this tweet? We introduce design thinking to first graders in Module

In the dynamic world of learning and exploration, students often encounter obstacles that challenge their perseverance and creativity. It’s at these pivotal moments that the essence of resilience can be instilled, shaping not just their academic journey but their approach to life’s many hurdles. A powerful tool in fostering this resilience is the i-Can! mantra:

Summary “Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions” by Chris Barton tells the inspiring story of Lonnie Johnson, a passionate inventor from a crowded household in Mobile, Alabama. Despite facing space constraints and skepticism about his future as an engineer, Lonnie’s creativity knew no bounds. From childhood, he was captivated by building and inventing, creating

Design thinking involves a lot of prototyping and testing. Having the right materials makes a big difference in how well students are able to create and refine their ideas. In this blog post, we’ll help with matching materials to grade levels. Kindergarten For Kindergarten students, it’s important to choose materials that are easy to manipulate

Design thinking is a powerful process that encourages students to create and innovate. Prototyping and testing are crucial steps in the design thinking process, and the use of a diverse set of materials is vital to their success. Teachers have many materials options for prototyping and testing, and each material has unique advantages and disadvantages,

Design thinking challenges provide K-5 students with valuable opportunities to develop collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication. To effectively track student learning and engagement during these challenges, teachers can utilize our rubric. Here we introduce our rubric teachers can adapt to assess student progress and growth throughout the design thinking process. Our Design Thinking Rubric

Design thinking challenges offer K-5 students an exciting and hands-on approach to problem-solving. To ensure the success and engagement of these challenges, teachers can utilize a checklist that encompasses essential elements. In this blog post, we will explore a comprehensive checklist that teachers can use to create impactful design thinking experiences for their students. The

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that encourages individuals to empathize with end-users and define problems. One they identify problems, they ideate, prototype, and test potential solutions. The process has built-in opportunities to iterate solutions based on feedback. This methodology has become increasingly popular as a way to teach students how to think creatively and

Why Test? In the Test step, students take their refined solution and test it out in real-world scenarios. This could involve user testing, where students observe how their solution is used by others, or it could involve creating a prototype and testing it out in a real-world setting. Students must identify any issues or challenges

Why Prototype? In the Prototype step, students use the ideas they generated in the Ideate step to create a tangible solutions. This can take many forms, from physical models made out of cardboard or clay to digital mockups created on a computer. The purpose of creating a prototype is to test and refine the ideas

Why Ideate? Ideate is the second step in the design thinking process. It is all about generating a wide range of ideas and possibilities for how to solve the problem or challenge that was identified in the Understand step. It involves brainstorming, sketching, and thinking creatively. Ideating is not about evaluating ideas or choosing a

Why Understand? Understand is the first step in the design thinking process. It is about gaining a deep understanding of the problem or challenge that you are trying to solve. It involves asking questions, doing research, and observing the people who are affected by the problem. Understanding is not about coming up with solutions, but

Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that encourages individuals to empathize with an end-user. They define a problem, ideate solutions, prototype and test their solutions before iterating them based on feedback. This methodology has become an increasingly popular way to teach students how to think creatively and solve problems. In the elementary school context, design

Making Learning Fun On the importance of making learning fun: Students who enjoy school at age 6 earn higher standardized test scores at 16—even after controlling for intelligence. Teachers set the tone for intrinsic motivation. Students who like their teachers are 9x more likely to enjoy school. pic.twitter.com/lApyzNWuuV — Adam Grant (@AdamMGrant) July 15, 2021 Like

Helping students navigate the challenges they encounter is an integral part of their learning and development process. As educators and mentors, our instinct might be to immediately solve problems for them to ease their frustration. However, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving on their own is far

Summary In “Whistle for Willie” by Ezra Jack Keats, Peter is a little boy who wants to whistle. One day, he sees an older boy playing with his dog and whistling, so he tries to whistle but can’t. He spins around and makes himself dizzy. Later, Peter sees his dog, Willie, and hides in a

  Your child is in the driveway practicing free throws, but very few balls make it into the hoop. As the time ticks by, you start to see the look of defeat on your child’s face.  Eventually, they trudge back to the house, and say that old, familiar phrase. Here’s our advice for responding to

  In the park? In your living room? A house full of friends? On your own? Wherever you are, we have i-Can! activity ideas for you! These activities are a great way to flex your i-Can! mindset AND have fun!   i-Can! activities use a modified version of the Stanford University design thinking process, which

  It’s 6:00 p.m. and your family is juggling homework, dinner, and evening extra curriculars, when you hear it, the voice of your children speaking the dreaded sentence, “I’m bored.” Your eyes widen slightly in disbelief and you wonder, “How could anyone be bored amidst this avalanche of activity?” Here’s our advice for responding to

In a world full of parenting advice, we try to keep things simple: Play, Connect, Believe Play: It’s fun AND It Builds Your Brain Dr. Stuart Brown calls play, “The brain’s best form of exercise.” Research shows that play numerous benefits for both children and adults, including building: Cooperation Creativity Empathy Flexibility Optimism Problem Solving