Journey into the Book
Design Lab
A graduate course for all teachers interested
in bringing books to life in their classroom!
Three (3) Graduate-level credits available through Dominican University of California
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on you as a designer. Part creativity studio and part design lab, this course supports you as you bring hands-on learning, innovation, and creativity to your classroom by bringing a book to life.
DETAILS
Location:
Virtual Classroom via Zoom
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Course Duration:
January 27th, 2026-April 14th, 2026
Meets bi-monthly for 7 sessions.
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Meeting Times:
Tuesdays 2:30-3:45 pm
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Tuition: $585.00 for course and supplies (4 interest-free payments available through PayPal)
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*Inquire about discounts for teachers registering together!
Graduate-Level Credits: $285.00
Registration for graduate-level credits with Dominican University of CA may be completed after initial tuition payment and completion of the course.
Registration: Limited to 8 students.
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
January 21, 2026
Questions? Email Rachel at Rachel@creativelearning.company
OUR APPROACH
In Journey into the Book Design Lab, you'll bring books to life in your classroom! Imagine your students embodying characters, redesigning settings, and fully immersing themselves in stories through creativity, innovation, and hands-on design.
This is where creative learning microworlds come in. These are complete curriculum units built around a book or theme that invite students to explore, play, and create. In this course, you'll design and implement your own microworld—choosing a book that's perfect for your students and watching as they dive into problem-solving, collaboration, and imaginative thinking in ways that align with grade-level standards.
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Students don't just read a story—they step inside it, build it, and make it their own.
Course meetings include design time, discussion, problem-solving, and reflection. Special topics include: integrating technology, creative learning and equity and belonging, social emotional learning, and community collaborations. This is a small group experience, where you will have input on both the content and the pace of the course.
“I would recommend the course because it gives you the time to think, reflect, adjust and push yourself to the next level (whatever that may be for you individually). I like that it holds you accountable to thinking about the purpose of creative learning in the classroom, as well as the implementation and in this case, pushed me to continually come back to my own teaching goals.”
- 5th grade teacher
WHO IT'S FOR
This graduate course is designed for PreK-Grade 5 teachers who are seeking innovative, hands-on approaches to classroom learning and excited to collaborate with like-minded colleagues. Whether you're new to creative learning microworlds or building on previous experience, this course will support you in bringing books to life in your classroom.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Design
During our first weeks together, you'll explore creative learning methodology and have the chance to think about your own learning goals and those of your students. You'll choose a book that's right for your classroom, then design a curriculum unit that brings creativity and innovation to life.
Implement
You'll bring your book to life in your classroom with the support of the instructor and fellow teachers. Course meetings provide opportunities for rich discussion, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Reflect
In this graduate course, you'll wear many hats: Teacher, Designer, Researcher. As a Researcher, you will look closely at the learning taking place in your classroom and document these experiences (through written reflections, photographs, video, and interviews) to share with others in the class.
Class begins January 29th, 2026
“This course provides an amazing opportunity to reflect on your teaching practices, wearing the hats of a researcher, teacher, and designer. Creative learning levels the playing field for all types of learners and every student will feel successful and make growth in one way or another.”
- K-5 Science and Technology Integration Specialist
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Here's What Teachers are saying...
"I would recommend it because it was different from any other class I have taken and I think that creative learning is the next “wave” and primary education. This course shifted my thinking about the importance of creative play and its connection to problem solving.”
-3rd Grade Teacher