Invent a Class
"Twelve–year–old Alyssa asked this question: “If you could invent a new class for school, what would it be?”

The new class I would invent for school would be ice cream making! We would learn the science behind ice cream, make some of our own, invent new flavors, and take a field trip to a real ice cream factory!
-Carly, age 13, California

I think a class that taught kids how to spies would be so cool! In this class, you would learn how to sneak around, write secret codes, and use special gadgets.
-Mary, age 12, Minnesota

I would create a class that would be just for reading and doing book reports. A teacher would suggest books to read, share tips on writing book reports and summaries, and give the kids free time for reading. Every week, the class would go the library and check out more books. I would love this class!
-Claire, age 8, Maryland

If I had the opportunity to invent a class, I would create a fashion class in which students would learn how to design, put together, and sew stylish outfits. At the end of the class, there would be a fashion show for students to model their handmade outfits for the rest of the class.
-Glenda, age 11, Georgia

I would create a volunteering class. Students would volunteer in the community and do something different every week, such as visiting a retirement home or working at an animal shelter.
-Nuria, age 12, Switzerland

If I could invent a class, I would create an anime class. I draw anime cartoons all the time. It would be great if a teacher could help me improve my drawing, and I’d also like to take the class with other people who have the same passion as I do.
-An American girl, age 13, Ohio

I would create a class that would focus on laughter! Everyone would learn how to tell jokes and act out funny scenes. There would be competitions to see who is the funniest student in the class, and the contestants would put on performances for the rest of the school to see.
-Gina, age 11, California

I think a friendship class would be great to have in school. This class would deal with friend problems, and students would learn how to make friends and how to be a good friend. I think that this would be such a helpful class.
-Lindsey, age 12, Kentucky

I’d create a class that’s all about going green. My family recycles and composts, but I feel as if I could do so much more. I bet that my classmates would have some really creative ideas to get people motivated to help the earth.
-Michaela, age 10, Ohio

I would like to invent a class on world cooking. In this class, we would make everything from sushi to baklava. Before we cooked the food, the teacher would pull out a map and we would study the country before making the dish. I think that it would be fun because students could cook and get educated at the same time!
-Lia, age 12, Georgia

My class would be called Shopping 101, because everyone needs to know how to spot a bargain! This course would teach people where to shop, and it would offer good fashion tips, such as how to choose accessories to go with certain outfits.
-Shirely, age 14, Florida

I’d invent a movie–making class. In my class, students would come up with ideas for movies and would then learn how to choose the right actors, make sets and props, and add special effects. I’d love that class because I wish I could make movies!
-Samantha, age 13, Canada

I would create a “Discover Your Own Career” class for middle schoolers to take.
-An American girl, age 12, Tennessee

I think it would be great if there could be a class about caring for animals. My class would teach students what to feed animals and what not to feed them, how to train them, and how to teach them tricks. I think that this class would be fun for kids—and their pets, too!
-Cynthia, age 8, Colorado

I would create a class for kids to learn how to grow delicious vegetables and fruits and also beautiful flowers. It would be fun to learn how to grow things!
-Isabel, age 11, Arizona

I’d create a class that is all about scrapbooking, and I would take it with my friends. We would snap cool pictures, and at the end of the semester, we’d show our finished scrapbooks to everyone in the class.
-Katie, age 12, Michigan

If I could invent a class for school, it would be called “Uniquely You.” It would help girls discover their best talent, whether it might be art, public speaking, helping friends through tough situations, ice–skating, and so on. The class would help girls learn how to express their true selves.
-Talia, age 11, Oregon

I would create the “Relax Class.” In this class, all you would have to worry about is how you want to relax. There would be soothing music, people giving massages, and delicious food.
-Jeanel, age 10, Florida

I am taking my dream class right now! I’m in the drama program at school, so I get to have drama in homeroom and third period! I’ve learned so much in this excellent class.
-Caroline, age 12, California