11 Creative Thinking Prompts to Build Classroom Community

Adapted from Creative Thinking In a Jar®

11 Creative Thinking Prompts to Build Classroom CommunityWe’re a few weeks into the school year, and before you get sucked into DEVOLSON (the dark, evil vortex of late September, October, and November), recapture some of that new school year sparkle! These creative thinking activities and questions will get students inspired and engaged in building community in your classroom—and beyond.

1. You get to be the principal for one day. What three rules will you create to make your school a better place for everyone?

2. Write about something you want to see happen in the future. Now come up with a plan to make it happen.

3. What are some things in your school that you would like to make better? How would you change them?

4. Think of something nice to do for someone. Be more creative than just holding open a door or smiling at a new student. Write or tell about what you would do, and then come up with a plan to do it.

5. What is one thing you could do today to make a difference in someone’s life?

6. What does it mean to be a good citizen? How could you encourage your friends and family to be good citizens?

7. Name three things you could do to improve your neighborhood or make it safer.

8. A new student has just joined your class. How can you make this person feel welcome? What are three things you could do?

9. Create a flyer to hang in your local park on ways to help save the environment.

10. What are three things you could do to make your school or community more peaceful?

11. You have been asked to write new rules for the playground that will help keep everyone safe and reduce bullying. What are your rules?

Creative Thinking In a JarFor more activities and questions to turn kids’ imaginations upside down and build classroom community, check out Creative Thinking In a Jar®.


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