This is´nt...

This is´nt a... it's imagination in action!

As a special education teacher, I’m always looking for strategies and activities that spark creativity, flexible thinking, and verbal and written expression in my students. One of my favorite materials—and one of the most anticipated in class—is a seemingly simple worksheet that inspires big ideas: “This is not a flower,” is apart of a series I call This is not...

At first glance, the drawing shows what appears to be the petals of a flower. But the instruction is clear: It’s not a flower! Children are invited to look at the basic lines, use their imagination, and transform it into something completely different. It could be an insect, an animal, an object, a fantasy character... whatever their mind suggests! At the end, they write a simple sentence starting with “It is...” to describe their creation.

Why create this kind of activity?

As a teacher, I’ve seen that children often feel unsure when they have to create something “from scratch.” They worry about doing it wrong or making mistakes. That’s why this type of activity gives them a visual starting point, but no fixed outcome. There is no single correct answer. Every result is valid. And that is incredibly empowering—especially for my students with special educational needs.

With this activity, students are working on:

✏️ Imagination and creativity
📐 Visual and spatial perception
🧠 Divergent thinking
📖 Written expression
😊 Self-confidence

How do I use it in the classroom?

I usually introduce this activity at the beginning of the day or right after recess, as a calm and fun way to refocus. I hand out the worksheet without giving too much explanation and simply repeat the prompt: “Remember, it’s not a flower… what could it be?”

The magic happens as soon as they start drawing. One of my students turned the petals into the ears of a puppy popping out of a gift box. Another girl turned them into butterfly wings with shiny details. A boy who usually avoids drawing surprised me by turning it into a flying saucer with little aliens and said, “It’s not a flower, it’s a spaceship!”

After they draw, I ask them to write a short sentence to complete the phrase “It is…” based on their level. For younger children, I dictate or we work together. With more advanced students, we write a simple descriptive sentence with extra details.

Student reactions

The excitement is contagious. When they know we’re doing a “This is not…” worksheet, they’re ready with pencils in hand. They often share their drawings with each other and say things like: “I didn’t think of that!” or “That’s such a cool idea!” The best part is that they value different ideas and don’t focus on who draws “better,” but on how creative their classmates were.

Plus, this type of activity is a great way to observe how each child thinks. Their choices reflect their interests, sense of humor, and inner world. Sometimes, meaningful conversations emerge from their drawings—talks we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Who is this for?

This material is especially designed for preschool and early elementary students, but it can easily be adapted for other levels. It’s perfect for special education classrooms, learning support centers, or even to use at home as a no-pressure, fun activity.

Teachers and families have told me that this worksheet has been a big hit with their students and children. Many use it as a weekly activity to boost creativity.

Free download

Like all the resources on Papel, tijeras y muchas ideas, this material is completely free. You can download it at the end of this post, print it as many times as you need, and use it in your classes, therapy sessions, or at home.

✨ I truly believe that teaching with creativity makes all the difference. I hope this activity sparks your students’ imagination just like it has with mine.