The Creative Problem Solvers series is part of The Tales from the Porch: Expanding Perspectives Project, created and designed by Aitina Fareed-Cooke in order to expand perspectives and build empathy through hands-on digital storytelling and literary arts engagements. This series looks to empower 3rd–5th graders to use the creative arts to tackle real-world problems while developing essential skills for school and life.

Registration is open for two opportunities this fall, with the option to attend one or both sessions. The program is proudly funded and supported by Buffalo’s Poet Laureate Aitina Fareed-Cooke, Get Fokus’d Productions, Youth Time Foundation DAF, and Arts Services Inc.

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

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.

The Creative Problem Solvers: Poet Tree of Light

This hands-on workshop challenges 3rd–5th graders to collaborate, design and build Poet Trees of encouragement for families in need. Students also engage in perspective taking and empathy building through guided writing prompts. The program provides winter essentials (gloves, socks, hats, hand warmers, and foot warmers) to families in need.

What we will do:

• Clarify the goal: create poetic, encouraging messages for families in need this winter.

• Ideate creative approaches to decorate the Poet Tree and convey warmth and hope.

• Develop simple plans and implement them (writing prompts, tree design, display layout).

• Test, reflect, and iterate on messages and presentation.

• Practice empathy by stepping into others’ perspectives and sharing supportive ideas.

• Collaborate with rotating roles (Facilitator, Writer, Editor/Scribe, Artist/Designer, Presenter).

Tools we will use:

• Materials for Poet Trees (variety of art supplies, string, tags)

• Writing prompts for empathy and encouragement

• Supplies for winter care packages (gloves, socks, hats, hand warmers, foot warmers)

• Visible timer for rounds

• Reflection prompts (sticky notes or short worksheet)

Why it helps:

• Builds a foundation of empathy, kindness, and community service

• Encourages perspective-taking and compassionate communication

• Provides a tangible, seasonal way to apply Creative Problem Solving: clarify, ideate, develop, implement, reflect

Our ‘fokus’: Empathy and giving

• Guided prompts to place students in others’ shoes and understand needs

• Activities to craft meaningful messages and design a thoughtful display

• Connection between words of light and real-world impact through giving

Take-home support:

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

• Simple reflection note to carry forward: how to show up for others in everyday life

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.