1-Pager
Plan
By Phase By Day Calendar
Empathize
Students will meet their Pre-K buddies, gather firsthand evidence about what makes them smile, play, and learn, and turn those observations into early empathy notes that will guide later toy and story design.
Days 1 - 2
Define
Students will sort buddy research into clear patterns, connect those patterns to story and play needs, and write a simple problem statement that explains how a toy can help a specific Pre-K buddy smile, play, and learn.
Days 3 - 4
Ideate
Students will generate several toy ideas for their Pre-K buddy, use story and play evidence to compare options, and choose one promising toy direction to carry into drafting.
Days 5 - 7
Draft
Students will turn their toy ideas into first drafts by practicing simple prototype-building moves, drafting a toy-centered story plan, building a labeled low-tech toy model, and revising after a structured peer feedback round.
Days 8 - 11
Test
Students will test their toy drafts and story ideas with peers and Pre-K users, gather clear evidence about what helps a younger child smile, play, and learn, and document specific revisions for the next phase.
Days 12 - 14
Critique
Students will use structured critique to compare their toy prototype and companion book against buddy evidence, story elements, and play-and-learn goals, then revise both products before the final showcase phase.
Days 15 - 17
Notice & Reflect
Students will present their finished toy-and-book work to an authentic audience, notice evidence of how their design helped a younger child smile, play, and learn, and document their growth through spoken, visual, and video reflection.
Days 18 - 20