Back to Mind Explorers (Ages 7-12)
This game helps children develop a greater sense of agency and creativity in their relationship with the world. By playing with the idea that their mind is actively creating and projecting their experience, children learn to recognize the power of their own perception and imagination in shaping their reality. This exercise promotes a sense of empowerment, flexibility, and adaptability, as children explore the idea that they can consciously shift their perspective and engage with the world in new and inventive ways. By embracing this imaginative practice, children can cultivate a greater sense of joy, wonder, and possibility in their daily lives.
Hey there, young creator! Today, we're going to play an exciting game called "The Mind Projection Playground." We'll be using our imagination to explore a new way of looking at the world around us. Instead of thinking about images and sounds coming from the outside into our minds, we'll pretend that our minds are creating and projecting everything we see and hear, like a super cool 3-D movie projector. Are you ready to step into this magical playground?
1. Take the child for a walk or have them sit comfortably in a room.
2. Ask the child to imagine that their mind is a powerful 3-D movie projector, creating and throwing images and sounds out into the world.
3. As the child walks around or looks at their surroundings, encourage them to pretend that everything they see is being created in their mind and projected onto a giant, wrap-around 3-D movie screen.
4. Invite the child to imagine that the sounds they hear are part of a surround sound system, also being created and projected by their mind.
5. Remind the child that they don’t have to believe this is how the world actually works; they just need to pretend it works this way for the duration of the game.
6. Encourage the child to have fun with this imaginative perspective and notice how it changes their experience of the world around them.
To further explore the concept of mind projection and the creative power of imagination, consider introducing your child to the book “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” by Dan Santat. This beautifully illustrated story follows the journey of an imaginary friend who takes matters into his own hands to find his perfect human companion. Along the way, Beekle discovers the joy and magic of bringing his own world to life and sharing it with others. By engaging with this whimsical tale, children can deepen their appreciation for the boundless potential of their own minds and the importance of nurturing their inner creativity.
1. Where does Beekle’s story begin?
a) In a child’s bedroom
b) On an island for imaginary friends
c) In a big city
d) In outer space
2. What is Beekle waiting for on the island?
a) A boat
b) To grow up
c) To be chosen by a real child
d) To learn how to fly
3. What does Beekle do when he’s not chosen?
a) He gives up
b) He goes on an adventure to find his child
c) He becomes invisible
d) He makes friends with other imaginary creatures
4. How does Beekle travel to the real world?
a) By submarine
b) By hot air balloon
c) By rowboat
d) By magical paper boat
5. What is the real world like compared to Beekle’s island?
a) Exactly the same
b) Much more colorful
c) Less colorful and more unfamiliar
d) Underwater
6. What does Beekle notice about the people in the real world?
a) They all have imaginary friends
b) They don’t seem to notice him
c) They’re all children
d) They’re all friendly to him
7. What does Beekle do to try to fit in with the real world?
a) He tries to act like the adults
b) He hides in a tree
c) He goes back to the island
d) He eats real food for the first time
8. Who does Beekle finally meet?
a) Another imaginary friend
b) His perfect match, a little girl
c) A talking animal
d) The mayor of the city
9. What happens when Beekle meets his perfect match?
a) They become best friends immediately
b) The girl doesn’t see him at first
c) Beekle disappears
d) They go back to the island together
10. What is the main message of the book?
a) Imagination isn’t important
b) Friends are overrated
c) Everyone has a special friend somewhere
d) Adventures are too dangerous
1. b) On an island for imaginary friends
2. c) To be chosen by a real child
3. b) He goes on an adventure to find his child
4. c) By magical paper boat
5. c) Less colorful and more unfamiliar
6. b) They don’t seem to notice him
7. d) He eats real food for the first time
8. b) His perfect match, a little girl
9. b) The girl doesn’t see him at first
10. c) Everyone has a special friend somewhere
Verse 1:
Step right up to the greatest show
Where your mind’s the star, don’t you know
Everything you see, everything you hear
Is a movie you’re making, crystal clear
Pre-Chorus:
Lights, camera, action in your head
Reality’s the stage where your thoughts are spread
Chorus:
Welcome to the Mind Projection Playground
Where imagination turns the world around
You’re the director of this 3-D scene
Creating sights and sounds like you’ve never seen
Verse 2:
Trees and clouds are on your screen
Birds chirping from speakers unseen
It’s all a projection from inside your mind
A magical world that you designed
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
It’s just pretend, but oh what fun
To see the power of the mind’s own sun
Shining bright on all you perceive
Showing what your thoughts can achieve
(Chorus)
Outro:
The curtain falls, but don’t you fret
This show’s not over, not just yet
‘Cause every day’s a brand new play
In your Mind Projection Playground
Remember, at QMAK, we don’t just teach; we empower. We don’t just inform; we inspire. We don’t just question; we act. Become a Gold Member, and let’s unlock your child’s full potential, one question at a time.