Fostering Creativity & Imagination

The Institute of Imagination is dedicated to inspiring creativity and imagination in children. As we head back to school, it’s the perfect time to explore innovative approaches that not only educate but also spark the imagination of our students. Here are some exciting ideas that can make the return to school a magical and imaginative experience.

‘Balancing Me Sculpture’: Connecting with Students

Getting to know your students on a personal level is essential for building a supportive and creative learning environment. The ‘Balancing Me Sculpture’ is an engaging activity that fosters connection and self-expression.

This activity encourages students to create a sculpture representing themselves and their unique personalities. Each student can use various materials like clay, paper, or even recyclable items to construct their sculpture. The key here is to emphasise the concept of balance, both in the literal sense (keeping the sculpture upright) and metaphorically (balancing their own interests, strengths, and weaknesses).

Here’s how it works:

• Provide students with an array of art supplies and materials.
• Ask them to create a sculpture that represents themselves.
• Encourage them to think about what makes them unique and how they can balance different aspects of their personalities.
• Once the sculptures are complete, have each student explain their creation to the class.

This activity not only helps students express themselves creatively but also allows them to understand and appreciate the diverse personalities within the classroom. It fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, which are essential foundations for imaginative learning.

Watch the ‘Balancing Me Sculpture’ activity here. 

Sensory Theatre: Exploring Autumn in a Unique Way

Autumn is a season filled with rich sensory experiences, from the rustling of leaves to the crisp scent of the air. Our ‘Sensory Theatre Autumn’ activity is designed to immerse students in the beauty of the season while encouraging them to explore their creativity.

Here’s how it works:

• Take your students on an outdoor excursion to a nearby park or natural setting during the autumn season.
• Encourage them to use all their senses to connect with the environment: touch the leaves, listen to the wind, smell the earth, and observe the changing colours.
• Provide students with journals or sketchbooks to document their sensory experiences. They can draw, write, or even collect small items from the environment to use later in the classroom.
• Back in the classroom, guide students in creating artwork, poetry, or stories inspired by their sensory adventure. Encourage them to use the collected items or their observations as inspiration.

This sensory journey through autumn not only connects students with nature but also allows them to express their impressions in imaginative ways. It’s a wonderful opportunity to merge science, art, and language arts in an integrated curriculum that sparks creativity and curiosity.

Watch the ‘Sensory Theatre Autumn’ activity here.

Co-Create a Learning Space with 2D and 3D Paper Modelling

Creating a vibrant and stimulating learning environment is crucial for nurturing creativity and imagination. Instead of relying solely on pre-made classroom decorations, why not involve your students in the process of shaping their learning space? The Institute of Imagination offers a fascinating activity called “Experimental Cities: Sculpting Paper Cities” that can help you achieve this.

In this activity, students get to design and build their own 2D and 3D paper models of architecture and spaces. This hands-on project allows students to engage in both artistic and architectural pursuits. They can design buildings, streets, parks, and even transportation systems, which could simply be adapted to thinking about your classroom space. Not only does this activity encourage creativity and imagination, but it also provides opportunities for discussions about urban planning, sustainability, and teamwork.

Here’s how it works:

• Provide students with an array of paper and card.
• Practice creating different 2D and 3D shapes using different techniques like folding, pleating, and curling.
• Encourage students to reimagine the learning space around them.
• Once the sculptures are complete, have each student explain their creation to the class.

Create your paper cities here.

The Institute of Imagination’s innovative approaches to education inspire creativity and imagination in students. By incorporating activities like these into your curriculum, you can create a dynamic and imaginative learning environment that will captivate and engage your students throughout the school year. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of imagination together, as we nurture the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators.