A practical guidebook of ideas, lesson materials, and related resources for developing imaginative and productive thinking skills of children is presented to assist teachers and parents. Emphasis is placed on the use of strategies and techniques that enhance originality, mental imagery, reverie, reflection, humor, novel playfulness, and divergent (but productive) thinking. It is suggested that such instruction is important to enable the learner to think through and effectively deal with the complex world. An introduction to creative imagination, the human mind, and developmental stages, and ways to develop imagination through the educational process, are addressed in the first four chapters. Chapter 5 considers various instructional models and programs by which creative imagination can be developed; they involve promoting relaxation and "centering," sharpening and enhancing the image, and symchronized learning. In addition, nine goals useful in teaching creative imagination and problem-solving skills are presented in a developmental hierarchy. In chapter 6, resource materials and strategies that may be implemented in lesson form are described. Chapter 7 presents learning activities that emphasize the importance of using basic sensory processes, such as touching, tasting, and hearing in the development of imagination. Chapters 8 through 12 provide learning activities related to the following: directed fantasy, imaginative situations, creative thinking, linguistic strategies, and developing a sense of humor and divergent thinking. Lastly, chapter 13 discusses creativity in general. A list of approximately 72 references is appended. (SW)