Grade 1: Sew Much Imagination
In library class with Ms. Sims Jennings, Grade 1 students explored how characters, settings, problems, and solutions come together to create a story. They put these storytelling elements into practice through an imaginary friend project, beginning by creating a character of their own.
Students began by reading “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” by Dan Santat, about an imaginary friend searching for a child to befriend. Inspired by Beekle, first graders designed characters with details drawn from their own lives. Some wore glasses, while others loved to draw or play guitar.
Next, they headed to the Gates Lab for Tinker Time with Lower School Innovation Specialist Mrs. Elizabeth Leddy, where they used their sewing skills to bring their designs to life.
Back in the library, students read “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reynolds and “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson to explore how illustrations and setting details create moods such as spooky, mysterious, exciting, or cozy. First graders referenced these books to design a setting for their imaginary friend, then developed a problem for that character to face and a solution to complete its story.
“I think this collaboration helps students see that storytelling is more than just reading or writing words on a page,” Ms. Jennings said. “It is a process of imagining, designing, and sharing ideas. By connecting literacy with a hands-on project, students deepen their understanding of story structure while building confidence as both authors and creators.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
