The document provides instructions for an activity where students work in groups to invent imaginary inventions out of construction paper and then collaborate to write a story incorporating all of their inventions. The activity is meant to encourage creativity and improvisation. Students first create their inventions, name them, and describe what they do. They then work as a group to write a story with a title, plot, conflict, climax, and theme featuring all the inventions. Each group presents their story to the class.

1. INVENTION STORY
AIMS/OBJECTIVES
To encourage creativity and imagination, improvising story-telling techniques
MATERIALS
Construction paper, tape, scissors, crayons, stapler, glue
PROCEDURE
1. Divide students into groups of 3, 4 or 5.
2. Pass out construction paper to each group. Students can choose one piece or mix and
match, as they prefer.
3. Explain that they are going to create an invention. It can look like anything they want
and do whatever they wish. They may fold, crumple, cut, tape, tear, glue or staple the
construction paper into any configuration imaginable.
4. When they finish, students must give their invention a name, and then each in turn presents
the invention to the group, explaining:
• What it’s called
• What it does
• Why it’s important and/or useful
• How much it costs and where it can be purchased
5. Next, students work as a group to invent a story (writing it down and splitting it into
parts if the teacher prefers) in which all their inventions play a part. Stories should include:
• Title
• Plot (beginning, middle and end)
• Conflict
• Climax
• Theme
6. Finally, each group stands in front of the class and takes turns presenting their story to
the other groups.
Optional: class can vote on favorite stories (categories: best overall, funniest, cleverest,
craziest, weirdest, etc.) and the most creative inventions.
POST ACTIVITY: Students can draw a picture of their favorite scene from their favorite
story.
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