This lesson teaches students to realize the unlimited power of originality in literature, as well as in other aspects of daily life and the people we meet.

"Setting the Stage" - Do the students understand originality? Talk about a simple example, such as the beauty of different art in the classroom. What would the world be like if all things were the same?

"Originality"
Touch-screen Activity - The concept of originality is illustrated as students move geometric shapes around the board to create a picture. Encourage as many different shape creations as possible. Talk about how they are all different and all creative. They are all original art. Images on the Learning Station show the students that children use originality every day in their play activities. Talk about what everyday objects they use as something else in play. (i.e., pretending a broom is a horse to ride).

"Help Linda Cross the River"
Hands-on Activity - Students are shown a picture of a girl on one side of the river and her friends on the other. How should Linda cross the river? Options are shown to give students ideas on how to solve the problem. The teacher provides a picture of the river scene (on disk). Also provide materials to create a way for Linda to cross the river. Talk with the students about possible solutions, such as using sticks to make a bridge, using yarn to tie a rope on the branch and swing across, scraps of paper to make a boat. Could she ride on the turtle's back? Encourage creative thinking and solutions.

"How Do You Weigh an Elephant?"
This story of a young Chinese boy with a dilemma presents a humorous and creative way to solve a problem.
Touch-Screen Game - Using a scale and various objects, students use their problem-solving skills and process of elimination to determine which items will balance the scale with the baby hippo on one side. The correct items to choose are: bed, chair and computer. Game will advance when the correct combination is used.

"Anna and Maggie"
This simple story encourages the students to use their imagination and originality to solve a problem. There are no right or wrong answers. The teacher can guide the discussion.
Touch-Screen Game - This game is a simple maze, just for fun. It also requires the 'driver' of the snowplow to use motor skills to avoid hazards along the route on the Learning Station.

"Creativity Cruise"
Students are introduced to a group of people of all walks of life. Questions are presented that encourage the students to solve problems or think of something they may not have previously considered.
Hands-On Activity - Using craft sticks or other materials (some of the same as used for Linda's story) students create an interesting piece of furniture for the furniture designer on the cruise ship. It can be a simple flat table glued to paper or a more elaborate creation. Encourage the students' original designs. Again, there are no right or wrong ways to create this 'furniture'.
Videotape Activity - This can be done while the students are creating their furniture. Students role- play as one of the passengers on the ship and talk about who they are and what they do.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review what originality means
What makes each student special?
How did students use originality to solve problems?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Handout (on disk) of Linda and the river
Supplies to add to the picture to create way to cross, sticks, string for rope-swing, scraps of paper to make a bridge or boat, etc.
Supplies to make 'furniture' (can use same materials as for above activity)
Videotape