Take aways may include: expressing your creativity, appreciating others’ imaginings

Parameters: 3 or more people. If more than 10, consider breaking into smaller groups. Can be done in person or online.

Materials: Small object, scratch paper, writing utensils. Optional: music player and speakers

Have everyone sit in a circle on the floor or in chairs (whatever is accessible for all participants) or gather in a meeting space online. Pass a small object around the circle so everyone can see it up-close, or feel it.

Explain what the object is, what it looks and feels like. If meeting online, hold the object up and describe what it is and what it looks like.

Continue pass this object around the circle so people can inspect it. Each person writes, doodles or daydreams up an incredible story about this object. For example: “This necklace was buried in my grandmother’s yard in a sealed envelope from an anonymous admirer…” After about 5 minutes, give each person the opportunity to share their story.

Variation: While passing the object around the first time, describe it without naming it. Example: if the object is an apple say it’s green, smooth and round with a little stick on the top and divot on the bottom, but don’t say it’s an apple. Then invite the storytellers to make up what the object is and what it’s purpose is. Example: a tiny, trick bowling ball.

Variation: Make up stories on the spot as the object is passed around a second time.