Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): Tell your student(s) you are going to play a game about “planning ahead.” Explain to them “No matter what you want to do you usually find you need at least one or two objects to begin. To write or draw you need paper, a pencil or crayon, and a flat surface to work on. To mail your drawing you need and envelope, a stamp, and the address.” I will write down the question and your answers as we go.

Step-By-Step Procedures: Explain again as you write the first question…I will ask them questions in the pattern of ” If I wanted to make a garden for example I would need seeds and gloves, and my gardening tools. ” (Below is a list of other examples.) This lesson can be used with a single child or can go around the circle for more answers with the last child to come up with an answer helping to state the next question. Each answer is written down no matter how wild as is done in adult brainstorming.

If I wanted to cut down a tree I would need (a power saw, gloves, safety glasses..)

If I wanted to bake a cake I would need (an oven, a cake mix, an apron…)

If I wanted to drive the car I would need (keys, gas, a license.)

If I wanted to go swimming I would need (my bathing suit, a towel, some money, suntan lotion…)

If I wanted to build a house I would need (boards, some nails, concrete, a shovel,…)

Plan For Independent Practice: Children can play a verbal version of this game anywhere with anyone.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set): “If I wanted to quit playing this game what would I need to say? (Lets Read a book!..Lets have lunch!..I need to go to the restroom!..)

Assessment Based On Objectives: My homeschooled 4 year old loves to play this game in the car. He comes away from this game feeling knowledgeable and stimulated.

Adaptations (For Students With Learning Disabilities): This type of brainstorming is a non-threatening chance to express creativity, and to impart leadership as new questions are sought.

Extensions (For Gifted Students): Brainstorming with gifted students builds a sense of unity and “group think” which serves the entire class socially.

Possible Connections To Other Subjects: The level of thought involved is limited only by the scope of the child’s detailed knowledge of each topic. Questions could go into medicine, science, math, music..all open to this format.

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Mary Glenn

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