Protocol Overview and Instructions: 
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Have you ever had an experience where you come up with a solution that would work to address an issue, but (for whatever reason) it just does not quite feel right? Sometimes one of the most effective strategies to head off this issue from happening is to define beforehand what you would like the solution you are developing to actually "feel like". One of our favorite strategies to do this is to have students create mood boards. Within this technique, students create a collage that captures the overall "feeling" or mood that they would like the final solution to have.

Mood Board Protocol Instructions
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Educator Thoughts:

​I decided to use a Mood Board with my students to help us get direction for the way we want our solution to make people feel. This is really important since we want our solution of how to share everyone’s story to have a big impact. The part most challenging was keeping the students focused on finding effective photos or words that fit the task. It helped to put a time limit on the task, so the students used their time wisely.

"I am always amazed at how the students find such "spot on" appropriate words to create the mood.  They have such wonderful ideas and insights." 

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Student Quotes:
"I like having to look through magazines and making it a challenge – like to fill the board!"

"It brought back a lot of happy memories for me seeing positive words."

Meet the Educator:

Amy is an educator at West Ottawa Public Schools. She teaches 4th grade at Lakewood Elementary.

​    "Integrating curriculum through PBL experiences has sparked a passion for authentic, real world problem solving in my students. My 4th graders are more actively engaged and enthusiastic about the learning process since I began using the Creative Sequence and Design Thinking protocols. They are gaining empathy for those around them and building employability skills along the way. It is thrilling to witness their excitement!"