The Creative Problem Solvers Series: “Tower of Gratitude”

This hands-on workshop is tailored for 3rd–5th graders and teaches creative problem solving, collaboration, and growth mindset through building challenges with LEGO bricks, Magna-Tiles, digital storytelling and creative writing resources.

What we will do:

• Clarify goals and success criteria

• Ideate multiple building approaches

• Develop simple plans and implement them

• Test stability, reflect, and iterate

• Practice teamwork with rotating roles (Facilitator, Builder, Scribe, Timekeeper, Spokesperson)

Tools we will use:

• LEGO bricks and Magna-Tiles

• Visible timer for rounds

• Digital tools: computers & cameras for tracking progress & reflections

• Quick reflection prompts

Why it helps:

• Builds a strong personal foundation: planning, collaboration, resilience

• Emphasizes process more than the end result/product

• Provides a practical Creative Problem Solving toolkit for school and life

Special ‘fokus’: Foundation for life

• Discussion on building your own foundation using lived and learned experiences

• How to draw on life tools to grow from both highs and lows

• Gratitude for challenges as opportunities to learn and become stronger

Take-home support:

• Optional prompts to reinforce Clarify, Ideate, Develop, Implement, Reflect

The Creative Problem Solvers series allows 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to become creative problem solvers! Participants will use the creative arts to solve problems while developing Critical Thinking, Innovation,Collaboration, Planning, Reflection & Presentation skills.

This series is funded and supported by: Aitina Fareed-Cooke/The Creative Arts Strategist, Get Fokus’d Productions, Youth Time Foundation DAF, & Arts Services Inc.