E.T. and the Magic of Wonder

Celebrating a timeless story—and the timeless truths our classrooms need

Artwork by Paul Shipper

On June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial reminded the world that wonder still mattered.

Forty-three years later, Steven Spielberg’s beloved film continues to touch hearts—not just for its unforgettable moments (flying bicycles, glowing fingers, tearful goodbyes), but for the deeper truths it quietly whispered to us all: Friendship matters. Empathy matters. Courage matters. Wonder matters.

And those are exactly the things that should live at the heart of our schools.

When you hear me talk about "imagineering  education,” I’m talking about much more than changing curriculum. I’m talking about connection, creativity, and the courage to believe that learning should move us—not just academically, but emotionally and imaginatively.

E.T. is more than a film. It’s a parable for what schools can become when we design learning spaces and experiences with intention. It reminds us that education, at its best, awakens childlike wonder and dares students to believe in the impossible.

That's the beginning of the imagineering of education.

With that in mind, here are just a few lessons from E.T. that belong in every school:

Wonder is the Gateway to Learning

The magic of E.T. lies in its sense of awe. That same wonder belongs in our classrooms. When students are curious, when they feel safe to ask big questions, when the learning feels alive—that’s when transformation happens. Don’t let standards and schedules rob your classroom of its sense of magic.

Every Child is Capable of the Extraordinary

Elliott wasn’t a prodigy—he was a kid who cared. When we trust students with meaningful, authentic learning experiences, they rise. They lead. They fly. Let’s give them the kind of experiences and environments that invite courage and character.

"I'll Be Right Here"

Perhaps the most iconic line of the film—“I’ll be right here”—isn’t just about parting. It’s about presence. Even across time and distance, true connection endures. In schools, that kind of lasting impact happens through relationships, not rules. Empathy and understanding are the secret ingredients in every powerful learning experience.

Don't Fear the Difference

The adults in the film saw E.T. as a threat. The kids saw him as a friend. Too often in education, we play it safe. But innovation—“imagineering”—requires us to break from the mold. Create space for students (and yourself) to be boldly different, wildly creative, and unapologetically human.

Let Go, and Let Others Grow

In the end, Elliott makes the hardest choice—he lets E.T. go home. It’s painful, but wise. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is release. Growth requires space. Leadership in education means knowing when to guide… and when to step aside. In our classrooms, that might mean empowering students to take ownership, explore their passions, and chart their own course.

Never Lose a Sense of Wonder

If you’re a teacher reading this, chances are you became an educator because you believed in something bigger: the power of imagination, the magic of a breakthrough moment, the beauty of helping students discover who they are. Maybe that belief has gotten buried under test scores, lesson plans, or day-to-day demands.

Let E.T. remind you:

* Wonder still matters.

* Story still matters.

* Relationships still matter.

And most importantly—you still matter.

At Imagineering Education, we believe the most powerful classrooms aren’t just filled with facts—they’re filled with feeling. With story. With design that invites curiosity, courage, and creativity.

So on this 43rd anniversary of E.T., let’s recommit ourselves to designing schools that feel more like adventures and less like obligations.

Let’s be brave enough to reimagine education—not just for our students, but for the dreamers we used to be.

Because the truth is…

We were never meant to outgrow wonder.

So, keep dreaming my friends. And when life gets heavy and you're feeling a bit down, just look up to the sky with childlike eyes...you just may see a bicycle flying across the moon.