When I Grow Up

Students imagine their future, choose a dream path, plan steps, and write their journey in Build My Story. Each student gets a free e-book with optional printed copies.

Short on time? Your class can publish straight away, by using ‘Lesson plan 2’

Your Student Will...

  • Imagine your future and the path to reach it.
  • Write a journey story, real or imagined.
  • Use safe AI to create and publish your book.

Grades 2-6

When I Grow Up

96 Reviews

How do I choose between Lesson Plan 1 and 2?
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Lesson Plan 1 is the full experience, with 2–3 in-class sessions for writing and reflection. Lesson Plan 2 is for publishing only, if your students already wrote their stories or want to type directly in the web app.

What if I start after November 18?
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You can still join as long as you’re registered. Printed books will arrive after Thanksgiving. The program closes the day after Thanksgiving. You can switch programs anytime by emailing [email protected].

I don’t have a projector. Can I still run this?
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Yes. Print the slide deck, staple it, and place copies on tables for students to share.

How much prep and class time does it take?
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Very little. Print the student pack and slide deck. Lesson Plan 1 runs in 2–3 sessions of 30–45 minutes each, while Lesson Plan 2 can be done fully online in the web app.

Timeline (Optional)

Session 1: Lesson & Plan

30-45 mins

Session 2: Draft & Write

30-45 mins

Session 3: Publish & Share

30-45 mins

Lesson Plan Option 1
Lesson Plan Option 1
Lesson Plan Option 2
Lesson Plan Option 2
Slide Deck (PDF)
Slide Deck (PDF)
Slide Deck (PPTX)
Slide Deck (PPTX)
Student Worksheets
Student Worksheets
Word Bank & Phrases
Word Bank & Phrases

Lesson Plan Option 2

Lesson Plan Option 2

Slide Deck (PDF)

Slide Deck (PPTX)

Student Tutorial Printout

Prompt Sheet

Student Worksheets

Word Bank & Phrases

Forest Thanksgiving Adventure

by Lili Chen, Grade 2

Harry the Pilgrim

by Harry Barron, Grade 5

Harry the Pilgrim

by Harry Barron, Grade 5

Standards

Writing - Narratives

Writing - Narratives
W.2.3–W.5.3

Students write real or imagined journey stories with clear sequence, sensory detail, dialogue when helpful, and a strong ending.

Writing - Informative/Explanatory
W.2.2–W.5.2

 Students explain goals and stepping stones in organized paragraphs using domain vocabulary.

Language - Conventions

Language - Conventions
L.2.1–L.5.1 L.2.2–L.5.2

Students apply grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and grade-level spelling.

Speaking and Listening
SL.2.1–SL.5.1 SL.2.4–SL.5.4

Students collaborate in discussions, give feedback, and present finished work clearly.

Speaking & Listening

Reading - Informational
RI.2.3–RI.5.3

Students pull key details from short mentor texts or teacher notes to support accurate descriptions of skills, learning, and habits.

CSTA - Digital Literacy
1B-AP-17 1B-IC-18 1B-IC-19

 Students create and refine a digital artifact and use technology responsibly.

Overview