Inspire thinking in your classroom by following the steps below. The older your pupils are the more you can challenge them on their knowledge, opinions and imagination.

1. Divide the class into groups and present the task. In the lower grades, the task could be: “Write a story based on four picture cards. Tell the story to the class and let them guess which cards you have used.”
2. Hold out 10-12 cards face down like playing cards and let each group draw four cards from your hand. None of the groups must see each other´s cards.
3. When each group has drawn four cards, they spread out and start coming up with ideas for the plot of their story. Meanwhile, you walk around to the groups and talk with them about what the pictures could symbolise.
4. The groups write down their stories so they can read them aloud to the class. Drawings may be part of the story if the pupils have trouble with the written language.
5. When all groups are ready, you collect their cards, mix them and place them on the floor so that everyone can see them.
6. Now, the groups read their story aloud in turn. After each story, the other groups take turns trying to determine which cards have inspired the story they have just heard. You can choose to give points for each correct card.

You can use this exercise to inspire thinking in your classroom in all kinds of subjects. Eg. in higher grades, the exercise can be used in foreign language classes. Optionally, the pupils choose their own pictures and work individually. For instance, the task could be: “Choose a card that says either A) something about what you like best about being in school, B) something about yourself that your friends don’t know, or C) something about what you find most exciting to do in your spare time. Your imagination sets the limits.