Kindness 101 Imagination: A class where imagination takes flight

An SEL lesson plan based on Steve Hartman's video about Sonja White's imaginative classroom experience. This lesson plan will incorporate elements of social and emotional learning, drawing inspiration from the Sanford Harmony Program and Harmony SEL frameworks. Here's a lesson plan designed for elementary school students:

Title: "Imagination Takes Flight: Exploring Empathy and Creativity"

Objective: Students will develop empathy, creativity, and communication skills while exploring the power of imagination in learning and understanding different perspectives.

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Materials:

- Paper and coloring supplies

- "Boarding passes" (can be created using cardstock)

- World map or globe

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   - Begin by asking students if they've ever been on a trip or wished to go somewhere new.

   - Introduce the concept of using imagination to explore new places and experiences.

2. Video Discussion (10 minutes):

   - Briefly summarize the story of Sonja White's classroom "trip" to Mexico.

   - Ask students: 

     - How do you think the children in the video felt during their imaginary trip?

     - Why do you think their teacher created this experience for them?

3. Empathy Exercise: "Walk in Their Shoes" (15 minutes):

   - Divide students into pairs.

   - Each student chooses a destination they'd like to visit.

   - Students take turns describing their imaginary trip to their partner, including sights, sounds, and feelings.

   - The listening partner practices active listening and asks questions to understand their partner's experience better.

4. Creative Expression: "Design Your Adventure" (15 minutes):

   - Provide students with paper and coloring supplies.

   - Ask them to create a "postcard" from their imaginary destination, including a drawing and a short message about their experience.

   - Encourage students to think about how this new place might be different from their home and what they learned from the experience.

5. Sharing Circle (10 minutes):

   - Gather students in a circle and invite volunteers to share their postcards.

   - As each student shares, ask the class to think about how that person might have felt during their imaginary journey.

6. Reflection and Conclusion (5 minutes):

   - Discuss how imagination can help us understand others and learn about new places and cultures.

   - Ask students how they can use their imagination to be more understanding and kind in their daily lives.

Extension Activities:

1. Create a classroom "Imagination Passport" where students can collect stamps for each new place or experience they imagine throughout the school year.

2. Set up an "Imagination Station" in the classroom where students can access materials to create their own imaginative journeys during free time.

SEL Components Addressed:

- Self-awareness: Students reflect on their own feelings and experiences.

- Social awareness: Students practice empathy by imagining others' experiences.

- Relationship skills: Students practice active listening and communication with peers.

- Responsible decision-making: Students consider how imagination can be used positively in their lives.

This lesson plan incorporates the spirit of Sonja White's creative teaching approach while focusing on important SEL skills. It encourages students to use their imagination, develop empathy, and practice communication skills in a fun and engaging way.  Imagination Takes Flight in Sonja White's Classroom

Video Summary

In a heartwarming segment by Steve Hartman, viewers are introduced to the imaginative world of Sonja White’s first-grade class at Trinity Leadership School near Dallas. The children are still buzzing with excitement after their extraordinary "field trip" to Mexico, an experience that has sparked their curiosity and creativity. The segment captures the essence of childhood wonder as students recount their adventures, including flying on a plane, seeing clouds, and experiencing the ocean for the first time.

As the segment unfolds, it becomes clear that the trip to Mexico was not a traditional journey. Instead, it was a masterfully crafted classroom experience that utilized the power of imagination. Sonja White designed this innovative lesson after her students expressed a wish to fly on a plane. This clever teacher created travel documents for each child, including boarding passes and passports, and embarked on a simulated flight experience that captivated her young learners.

The children enthusiastically described their "flight," sharing vivid details about turbulence and snacks at 13,000 feet. Their vivid imaginations made the experience feel real, leading one student to genuinely believe they had traveled to Mexico. This creative approach highlights the impact of immersive learning and how it can blur the lines between reality and imagination, leaving a lasting impression on the students.

Throughout the video, Sonja White's dedication to her students is evident. She demonstrates that with limited resources, teachers can still create meaningful experiences that inspire and educate. The joy and excitement of the children serve as a testament to the magic that occurs in classrooms when educators harness the power of imagination to engage their students fully.

In conclusion, this segment serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound influence teachers have on their students' lives. It showcases how creativity can transform learning environments and encourages educators to think outside the box. The experience at Trinity Leadership School is a shining example of how imagination can take flight, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

 

Imagination Takes Flight in the Classroom

1. What was the main activity that the first graders participated in?
a. A real flight to Mexico
b. A pretend flight to Mexico
c. A field trip to the beach
d. A classroom party

2. Who is the teacher that organized this imaginative activity?
a. Sonja White
b. Steve Hartman
c. Lorenzo
d. A teacher from Mexico

3. How did the students feel about their experience?
a. They were scared and wanted to go home
b. They thought it was boring
c. They were excited and happy
d. They didn't understand what was happening

Answer Key:

1. b. A pretend flight to Mexico (00:00:42 - 00:01:05)
2. a. Sonja White (00:00:22 - 00:00:42)
3. c. They were excited and happy (00:01:32 - 00:01:55)