Class creativity levels one through a quadrillion? That seems arbitrary and totally nonsensical… so pretty normal for me.

I made a sign outside of my classroom (with sliding arrows) to tell students three things:

How many days until the next check-in (0 – 6)

How much work time today (0 – 45)

The creativity level of the class (1 – 1,000,000,000,000,000)

(the actual sign says “1 – 1K – 1M – 1B – 1T – 1Q)

Tonight I drafted the explainer for this. It’ll be a fun exercise. We will read the descriptions below and I will have students rate where our class would rate.

Creativity Level 1

The students sat at their desks, staring at the example project that the teacher had laid out in front of them. It was clear that they were uninterested in being creative; all they wanted to do was copy the project as fast as possible and move on to the next thing. They rushed through their work, not bothering to add any personal touches or put any thought into their projects. The teacher tried to encourage them to think outside the box, but it was no use. The students were determined to finish as quickly as possible and get back to their screens. It was a far cry from the vibrant, creative energy that the teacher had hoped to cultivate in the classroom.

Creativity Level 1 Thousand

The students sat at their desks, still staring at the example project that the teacher had laid out in front of them. However, this time there was a little bit more energy in the room. Some of the students had started to add their own personal touches to their projects, using different colors and materials to make them their own. They were still working quickly, trying to finish as soon as possible, but it was clear that they were putting a little more effort into their work. The teacher was encouraged by this small improvement and continued to encourage the students to think creatively and put their own spin on their projects. It was a small step, but it was a step in the right direction.

Creativity Level 1 Million

Most of the students had fully embraced the creative process, adding their own personal touches to their projects and putting in a strong effort. They were using different colors and materials, experimenting with new techniques, and having a great time. The teacher tried to encourage the less engaged students to get creative and put in more effort, but it was an uphill battle. Sharing projects is a super fun time at the end of the quarter!

Creativity Level 1 Billion

The classroom was abuzz with energy as the students worked on their projects. Nearly everyone had fully embraced their creativity, coming up with fun, innovative ideas and putting in a strong effort to see them through. The students were using a wide range of materials and techniques, experimenting and trying new things. They were laughing and chatting, excited to share their ideas with each other. The teacher was thrilled to see the class so fully engaged and creative. It was a far cry from the dull, uninspired atmosphere of just a few weeks before. The students had truly come into their own, and it was clear that their creativity knew no bounds.

Creativity Level 1 Trillion

The students were in a state of creative frenzy, working on their projects with a wild but controlled enthusiasm. They were using a wide range of materials and techniques, adding their own personal touches and coming up with innovative ideas. There was no shortage of laughter and chatting as they shared their ideas with each other. Every student was fully engaged and putting in a strong effort to bring their vision to life. The teacher was thrilled to see the class so fully immersed in the creative process. It was clear that their creativity knew no bounds, and the students were having a great time bringing their ideas to life. The classroom was a vibrant, lively place, full of energy and excitement.

Creativity Level 1 Quadrillion

The students were in a state of creative frenzy, their enthusiasm spilling over into their other classes and beyond. They were using their new skills to impress their parents, other teachers, and the community, bringing a fresh energy and excitement to the town. Everywhere they went, they were hailed as a breath of fresh air, a beacon of creativity and innovation. The teacher was thrilled to see the impact that their creative journey had had on the students, and the community was grateful to have such a talented, enthusiastic group of young people. It was clear that the students’ creativity knew no bounds, and they were more than happy to share it with the world.

How much fun is that?!?