Ideas & ImaginationCharacter Building Academy

Future Makers · Imagine, test, improve

What could you make better?

Improve something around you, or discover a need someone has. Listen, imagine, make a small model, and learn from testing it.

Your challenge

Choose a pathway that suits the child’s readiness. Younger children can draw or explain their ideas with an adult.

Learn before you begin

Try it away from the screen

    Children and a teacher building a shelter model with reused materials

    My idea planner

    Draw on paper or use these boxes. No names or personal details are needed. Download or clear your notes before choosing another challenge; the boxes keep your writing while you explore.

    Notes stay on this page until you leave or reload. Download them to keep a copy. They are not sent to the website.

    Game 1 · Need detectives

    Listen before choosing a solution

    Game 2 · Another use

    One object, many ideas

    Imagine three different useful jobs it could do. Say, draw, or write your ideas. There can be many good answers.

    Make with care

    Before testing your idea, ask: Who does it help? Did I listen to them? Can different people use it? Does it waste materials? What can I change after feedback?

    Kindness means asking what help is wanted. Honesty means explaining what did and did not work. Responsibility means using materials carefully and tidying up.

    Practise these values in the Character Building Academy

    Family discussion: Design a Better Island

    Ask: What problem did you notice? Who might need your idea? What did your test actually show? Which one part could you improve? Compare two versions under the same conditions when you can. Keep every test indoors or at home using small models; no beach visit or public installation is needed.

    For ages 5–7, try 10–15 minutes of drawing or pretend play. For ages 8–10, try 15–25 minutes of making and comparing. For ages 11–13, try 25–40 minutes of planning, testing and revision. Take breaks and let children choose a shorter activity.

    For families and educators

    Try one activity in 15–25 minutes, with breaks as needed. Let children speak, draw, build, or use supported communication. Use paper, cardboard, blocks, and clean reused materials. Adults should handle cutting tools. Test small models, not real bridges, boats, electrical devices, or public installations. Use fictional situations or talk with a trusted adult; children do not need to approach strangers or share personal information.

    Celebrate listening, effort, and thoughtful revisions. Game feedback supports reasoning; it does not measure a child's character. The island challenges offer pathways for ages 5–7, 8–10 and 11–13. The other challenges and games were designed for ages 8–10; adapt them to readiness.