Appropriate grades or age groups:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Estimated time to complete activity or implement technique:
20 minutes

Materials needed (if applicable):
An active imagination!

Activity set-up/instructions or description of technique:
I usually do this before bedtime. I have the children rest quietly and begin the story. They pick a destination and a mode of transportation. For example, a Panda Bear and Forest. We then take an imaginary journey through China on the back of a Panda Bear. I describe what it feels like to sit upon the back of the bear and then what we see as we journey through the forests of China. We have taken journeys on winged horses, on clouds, on birds, on dolphins and traveled various places such as China, South America, Africa, over the rainbow.

This activity accomplishes two things - helps the children form "pictures in their head and expands their imagination" and introduces them to geography and historical people. The trick is to create and interest so they want to learn more and want to do it on their own.

Other suggestions or comments:
I believe the difference between a child that loves to read and one that does not is their ability to see the story in their mind when they read. My kids love to read and they see, as my 5 year puts it "Pictures in my head."