Presentation Outline
Opening & Framing (5 minutes)
Content: Introduce the session title, objectives, and the big question: What if our youngest students could identify and solve real-world problems?
Engagement: Show a short Pixar clip (e.g., Partly Cloudy) to spark empathy and curiosity.
Process: Quick think-pair-share — What problem did you notice? How might you help?
Step 1: Empathy & Problem Definition (10 minutes)
Content: Explain how first graders identify problems through empathy interviews, connections and narratives. Share simple project templates and student work.
Engagement: Audience watches a short video/narrative of a classroom problem (e.g., “It’s hard to find a quiet place to read”).
Process: Attendees complete the template from a “user’s perspective” in pairs.
Step 2: Brainstorming & Ideation (10 minutes)
Content: Model how to guide first graders in idea generation using “yes, and…” language and visual prompts.
Engagement: Audience participates in a rapid brainstorming round using large sticky notes or a digital board (Jamboard, Padlet).
Process: Group shares ideas aloud; facilitator highlights creativity and inclusivity.
Step 3: Rapid Prototyping (15 minutes)
Content: Demonstrate low-fidelity prototyping with everyday materials and digital tools (e.g., Seesaw, Canva, Tinkercad).
Engagement: Attendees work in small groups at tables with materials (pipe cleaners, cardboard, markers) to build a quick prototype.
Process: Peer-to-peer interaction while building; optional device use to create a digital sketch or AI-generated prototype image.
Step 4: Testing & Feedback (10 minutes)
Content: Show how students share prototypes and use “I like/I wonder” for constructive feedback. Provide sample rubrics that emphasize process over product.
Engagement: Audience groups present prototypes to a partner group and exchange feedback using “I like/I wonder” sentence stems.
Process: Quick rotations, peer-to-peer dialogue
Step 5: Reflection & ISTE Connections (5 minutes)
Content: Connect the design thinking process to ISTE Standards for Educators and Students. Highlight daily classroom integration.
Engagement: Whole-group debrief — How could you adapt this for your grade level/content area?
Process: Attendees share ideas in pairs or post digitally on a collaborative board.
Closing & Takeaways (5 minutes)
Content: Summarize session goals and outcomes. Provide access to resources (templates, AI prompt cards, journal sample).
Engagement: Audience creates a quick digital exit ticket: One way I’ll use design thinking with my students is…
Process: Device-based reflection (Padlet, Mentimeter, or Google Form).
After this session, participants will be able to…
-Apply the design thinking process in developmentally appropriate ways with early learners.
-Design authentic, learner-driven activities that use empathy and problem definition as entry points.
-Facilitate student brainstorming and prototyping sessions using everyday materials and simple digital tools.
-Implement feedback strategies (such as “I like/I wonder”) that foster collaboration and reflection.
-Take away and create ideas that can be implemented in diverse communities and other projects.
Little Learners with Big Ideas: A Field Guide for Design Thinking
A practical guide designed for young learners to engage in design thinking, fostering empathy, prototyping, and feedback skills.
Link: https://mvventures.org/shop/little-learners-with-big-ideas/
A Kids Book About Design
This book introduces children to the concept of design, encouraging them to understand its impact and engage in creative problem-solving.
Link: https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-design
Design Thinking Playbook and Journal for Kids Ages 6–12
A resource offering over 100 pages designed to nurture creativity in children, providing a map of the design thinking process and tips to develop their creativity.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Thinking-playbook-journal-years/dp/B08RR5ZFD1
Research Articles
Design Thinking in Early Childhood Education and Care
A literature review examining how design thinking methods are applied in early childhood education, highlighting their impact on teaching and learning.
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10798-024-09944-z
Empathy Design Thinking: Cultivating Creative Minds in Education
An article discussing how integrating empathy into design thinking helps students develop a comprehensive understanding of their study subjects and tackle challenges creatively.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1376305/full
The Importance of Design Thinking in Education
An article exploring how design thinking can address the creativity crisis in education by encouraging children to explore, innovate, and develop essential skills.
Link: https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/blog/2024/06/27/the-importance-of-design-thinking-in-education-sparking-creativity-in-children/
Expert Insights
Rusul Alrubail on Teaching Empathy Through Design Thinking (Edutopia)
An article emphasizing the role of empathy in design thinking and how it can be taught effectively in educational settings.
Link: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-empathy-through-design-thinking-rusul-alrubail
Interaction Design Foundation on Empathy in Design Thinking
A resource explaining the significance of empathy in design thinking and its application in understanding user needs.
Link: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-getting-started-with-empathy?srsltid=AfmBOoogH3-5EKcPbEJ6cukE_XRdhdoatWXgv3VBbyaEHfs9MyGZ7KOe
CareerFoundry on Empathy in Design Thinking
An article discussing the importance of empathy in design thinking and how it leads to user-centric solutions.
Link: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/what-is-empathy-in-design-thinking/
Practical Applications
NAEYC's Making and Tinkering With STEM
A book offering 25 engineering design challenges suitable for children ages 3–8, promoting hands-on learning and creativity.
Link: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/making-and-tinkering-with-stem
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