What’s in a Name? Apparently… a Monster!

 

What happens when a name meets imagination, scissors, and a third grader’s creativity? In the Innovation Lab, it turns into monsters!

This creative project took place over several class sessions and guided students from a single folded piece of paper all the way to becoming published authors of their very own books. It was a long journey—one filled with excitement, creativity, and pride.

Step One: A Name with Possibility

The project began with a blank piece of paper folded in half. Students were asked to write their name along the fold—not tiny, but not huge. No other directions were given. Just a name and a little mystery.

Step Two: A Story Spark

Students then gathered together to listen as Miss Gunderson read How I Met My Monster by Amanda Noll. Partway through the story, the class paused, and students went to their tables to carefully cut around the shape of their name—making sure to keep their paper folded.

Step Three: The Big Reveal

After the story was finished, Miss Gunderson told the class it was now their turn to meet their very own monsters. Students unfolded their papers and—just like that—their monsters appeared! At first, each monster was plain white, but that didn’t last long. Using their imaginations, students drew, designed, and created monsters full of personality, details, and surprises.

Imagining the Adventure

As they worked, students brainstormed what life would be like if their monster were real.
What adventures would they go on? Where would they travel together? What kind of monster was this—and what was its name?

Every monster was given a name, a personality, and had a story waiting to be told.

Step Four: Becoming Authors

Over three class sessions, students wrote their monster stories. They worked hard to turn ideas into sentences. Their sentences into stories. Their stories into something they were proud to share.

Step Five: Bringing Books to Life

The last step involved learning a new app called Book Creator. They used this app to publish their stories digitally. They were able to create their backgrounds and even change the fonts. Seeing their writing and illustrations come together like a real book was an exciting moment for everyone.

This project took time, effort, and creativity—but it was worth it. Students explored storytelling, art, and they used their imagination in different ways. Their hard work truly shined.

Best of all, each student now has a printed copy of their very own monster book.