Reimagineering Education: Transforming Schools Through Story, Space, and Experience

Outline

This inspirational session will introduce participants to the application of the priniciples and practices of Imagineering to school settings through an exploration of the "M.A.G.I.C." framework. Each element—Meaningful Experiences, Authentic Storytelling, Growth Through Imagination, Immersive Spaces, and Connections That Last—will be explored through short content segments paired with interactive activities such as turn-and-talks, quick sketches, and peer reflections. Audience participation will be scattered throughout the presentation and will close with a “Blue Sky” reflection where participants envision one change they can implement in their own schools.

Detailed Session Outline:

0–5 minutes | Opening & Hook
Content: An introduction to the impact of experiential spaces and experiences on learning
Engagement: Quick audience poll by show of hands on redesigning learning spaces.

5–15 minutes | M – Meaningful Experiences
Content: Show examples of student-designed projects that addressed real community needs.
Engagement: Think-pair-share with seat partner to recall a student project that had significant impact.

15–25 minutes | A – Authentic Storytelling
Content: Demonstrate how narrative hooks and story-driven lessons transform learning.
Engagement: Turn-and-talk — participants describe to their partner what stories unintenitonally being told in their classroom/school

25–35 minutes | G – Growth Through Imagination
Content: Illustrate how imagination drives problem-solving and innovation.
Engagement: Whole-group callout: “What if a common classroom item were redesigned to spark curiosity?” Capture several responses.

35–45 minutes | I – Immersive Spaces
Content: Provide "next day use" examples of how to create spaces that support the stories/mission/vision of the classroom or school
Engagement: Participants sketch or note one way they would reconfigure a space; share with their row partner.

45–55 minutes | C – Connections That Last
Content: Highlight how relationships and community amplify engagement and belonging.
Engagement: Silent reflection — write one “connection point” they can try tomorrow; optional share with seat partner.

55–60 minutes | Closing & Blue Sky Reflection
Content: Synthesize the five elements of M.A.G.I.C. and their integration.
Engagement: Invite three volunteers to share their “Blue Sky” ideas; close with a call to action.

Engagement Process Summary
Participants will engage every 8–10 minutes through polls, turn-and-talks, peer reflections, quick sketches, and whole-group callouts.
Approximately 60% of the session will be content delivery and 40% audience interaction.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:

Design Meaningful Experiences that connect learning to students’ lives and spark curiosity.

Apply Authentic Storytelling to shape how students understand content, their world, and themselves.

Foster Growth Through Imagination by encouraging creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

Envision Immersive Spaces where the environment itself supports engagement and inspiration.

Build Connections That Last by strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community.

Supporting research

1. Kerrison, M. (2022). Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds: A Writer’s Guide. Michael Wiese Productions.
*Explores how storytelling and environmental design create immersive experiences, directly applicable to narrative-driven classrooms.

2. Pink, D. (2006). A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. Riverhead Books.
*Argues for the growing importance of creativity and design thinking, supporting the emphasis on imagination in learning.

3. Barrett, P., Davies, F., Zhang, Y., & Barrett, L. (2015). “The Impact of Classroom Design on Pupils’ Learning: Final Results of a Holistic, Multi-Level Analysis.” Building and Environment, 89, 118–133.
*A large-scale study demonstrating how factors such as lighting, color, layout, and air quality in classrooms significantly affect student learning outcomes.

4. Nair, P. (2014). Blueprint for Tomorrow: Redesigning Schools for Student-Centered Learning. Harvard Education Press.
*Demonstrates how physical environments can be intentionally designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and engagement.

5. Lippman, P. C. (2010). “Can the Physical Environment Have an Impact on the Learning Environment?” OECD, CELE Exchange 2010/13.
*Argues for flexible, responsive spaces that adapt to learners’ needs; foundational reference on space–learning relationships.

6. ASCD (2019). “Building Classroom Community Through Storytelling.” Educational Leadership. ASCD Article.
*Shows how storytelling builds emotional connection, culture, and social-emotional learning in classrooms.

7. Unkovich, A. (2011). “The Power of Story — to Teach, to Reach, to Inspire.” Phi Delta Kappan, 92(7), 61–63.
*Explores theoretical foundations for storytelling in education and its capacity to inspire and transform learning.

8. Dillon, R., & Hare, R. L. (2020). The Space: A Guide for Leaders. ConnectEDD Publishing.
*Practical guidance for school leaders on designing spaces that enhance engagement, creativity, and collaboration.

9. Creadon, P. (Director). (2013). If You Build It [Documentary]. Long Shot Factory.
*Follows a year-long design/build project with high-school students; compelling case study of community-centered, project-based learning and design thinking.

10. Riddle, T. (2025). Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth. Warrior Creek Press.
*Connects Imagineering principles directly to education, offering practical frameworks and examples aligned with this session.