Brainstorm for Quantity, not Quality

LESSON 1.1
Brainstorm for Quantity, not Quality

Grades 1-3

Imagine your brain is like a magic bubblegum machine that pops out ideas.

There are two kinds of gum in your bubblegum machine:

  • “Woohoo!”: these are the ideas that make you excited.
  • “Hmm…”: ideas that make you think and scratch your head.

Being Creative

The more bubblegum you pop, the closer you get to “Woohoo!” ideas.

There Are No Silly Ideas

Ever have a cool idea, but get nervous to share it, fearing someone might laugh? Guess what, no idea is ever bad.

Remember, flying used to be a silly idea too, until someone smart and brave tried it and whoosh, we were flying high in the sky.

So, don’t be shy, let your bubblegum machine go wild. Write down every idea that pops into your head.

Task 1.1.1 – Class

Ms. Smith is taking her class on a camping adventure. They’ll ride to the campsite. There also will be two helpers and two parents joining the fun.

Before they leave, Ms. Smith and her helpers want to imagine all the things that could possibly go wrong on their trip. Let’s brainstorm together and come up with some ideas!

1. Bee sting.
2. Vehicles run out of gas.
3. Flat tire.
4. Someone falls off a tree.
5. Wet firewood.
6. No firewood.
7. Someone forgot heir sleeping bag.
8. Someone forgot extra clothes.
9. A beat eats all the food.
10. A liens, zombies, and ghost arrive.
11. Mosquito bites.

  • Which idea in Ms. Smith’s list do you think is the silliest?
  • Which ideas are most likely to happen?

Kids and Creativity

Some kids are super creative. Their ideas are like magic spells, while yours might feel more like stinky tennis shoes.

But anyone can learn to be creative. Just follow three fun steps:

  1. Brainstorm for quantity, not quality.
  2. Grade the ideas.
  3. Put the A ideas in order.

Task 1.1.2 – Small Group

Uh-oh! Your dog keeps escaping the yard. You’re afraid it might get hurt, run away, be taken, get into fights, or bite someone.

How can you keep your dog safe? In groups of 3-4, brainstorm at least 20 ideas in 5 minutes. There will be a prize for the most ideas, but each person must contribute at least 3 ideas.  No idea is silly!