What is an Imagination Classroom by Rhi
Imagination
noun
- the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.
- the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful.
Classroom
noun
- a room in which a class of pupils or students is taught.
Imagination Classroom
noun
Imagination Classroom- Meow Wolf https://youtu.be/8pBpCBcWTTs
Imagination classrooms emphasise creativity, collaboration and innovation, and seeks to create an environment where students can engage in hands-on learning experiences that allow them to explore and develop their imaginations.
In an imagination classroom, students are encouraged to think outside the box and approach problems from multiple angles. Teachers may use a variety of techniques to foster creativity, such as brainstorming sessions, role-playing exercises, and change-based learning activities.
An imagination classroom can be ANY space in the school environment.
When considering setting up your own imagination classroom you could explore the below:
- What space can you set up an imagination classroom in?
- Does the school have capacity for a permanent imagination classroom or does it need to be packed up and down/ imagined/ outside/ etc?
- What resources do you have access to? (preferably recycled, environmentally friendly, donated, etc)
- Set group intentions with the students that will use the space- what are the boundaries/ values- no judgment, free of mind, no shame, imagination
- What environments support different learning styles? What imaginative environment is going to bring inspiration to the students and teachers?
- When do students get the opportunity to use their imagination and how can we flex that in education and the school setting?
- Is Imagination important? Are students seeing value in their imagination? And are they using their imaginations at school?
- What space can be created to unlock their imagination?
- Do students value their connection with nature? Are they connected to nature? What role does nature play in imagination and education?
- How can you incorporate nature to be a core value of the imagination classroom?
Over the years AIME has developed teaching methodologies that encourage imaginative thinking, that can be included in an Imagination classroom if you’re feeling stuck on getting started. However, there is no framework, no set of rules to follow, it is up to you, the students, what resources you have access to/ can get donated and your combined imagination;
- Storytelling- GAIME of Life: using story as a way to engage students and encourage them to think creatively about different scenarios and situations.
- Story Telling- AIME Zine, Writers Op, Impact, Creative Writing
- Change Projects- MOAH, Dream Space, IN{Uni}, 1 Mil Pres Workshop/Speech
- Group Discussions- Yarning circles, implementing UNCx5 groups, change projects, brainstorming/ group collaboration
- MentorClass- Lessons from mentors all around the world
- Purple Carpet- Failure Time stations and activities. Create your own wizard costume or creature equivalent for your INclassroom
Below is a session breakdown (that I’ll be building upon and refining) for going in to run my first Imagination Classroom workshop;
Breakdown of Imagination Classroom- 1 Hr Session
- 0-5mins: Welcome, acknowledgement, Intro
- 5-10mins: Icebreakers/ Movement- around the space, groups, energy, connect students to nature/one another/ the spac
- 10-15mins: quick discussions about imagination, failure, design, colour, etc. group sharing, high energy
- 15-20mins: values, boundaries, time restraints, resources
- 20-50mins: creation of Imagination classroom
- 50-60mins: Reflections (KD, DD, MM, What did you learn? What felt uncomfortable?)