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*This lesson coincides with section 8, avoid ambiguity, from A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech.

Lesson written by: Stacee Talhelm and Kris Smith

Grade levels: K-12

Time Needed to Teach Lesson: 10 -30 min

Overview:  The goal is to create a new idea or a new way to show knowledge.  Pick a random picture from the stack of picture cards to make a brand new connection to your previous knowledge.

Objectives:  Understand that allowing ambiguity by changing the approach or making a new connection can lead to more creativity.

Resources:  Grade appropriate standards, Random picture cards, note taker, rubric.

Step by Step directions to teach the lesson:

Student will pick an objective card and think of what they already know about the subject.

Then, pick a random card and make brand new connections.

Take notes of new ideas.

Repeat the above steps, this time picking a life-situation card.

Repeat a third time, this time the student brings up a topic of their own, and brainstorms, then comes up with new connections using the random cards.

Assessment:  Teacher uses this rubric for student assessment.