Questions are in the air, it seems. One of the most talked-about books this year is Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question. September’s issue of Educational Leadership focuses on questioning for learning. It seems a good time to think about the role questions play in creativity—and learning. Questions, it almost goes without saying, lie at … Continue reading
This is the time of year for celebrations of creativity that may not show up on traditional calendars: Dot Day and the Global Cardboard Challenge. I’ve written about both before (Dot Day, Cardboard Challenge), but if you haven’t had a chance to celebrate yet it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder. I’m grateful for the … Continue reading
I always seem to think about scary-story writing at Halloween time—when it is too late for many teachers to get it into their planning. If you want some tips for writing traditional spooky stories, see the link above. But, early for a change, let me also introduce another variation of the genre: two-sentence horror stories. … Continue reading
There is nothing like spending time in a bookstore. When I know exactly what I want, I love the convenience of ordering online, but despite websites’ best efforts to share what others “also ordered,” I rarely discover anything new and exciting that way. In contrast, a perfect Friday night at our house starts with dinner … Continue reading
Recently a middle school friend sent me a text, “First day of school 😦 .” I understand. While first-days-of-school can be filled with excitement, new school supplies, and the hope of better things, school routines can feel stifling after weeks of unfettered exploration. No more time for “messing around.” It is time for the serious … Continue reading
I had a lot of fun this summer, but one of the most delightful mornings was spent with five young friends and a 25-foot long solar balloon. Take a look. We had a grand time watching the balloon expand and contract, rise and fall, with changing temperatures (and, OK, having the occasional giant balloon wrestling … Continue reading
This summer, at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, I had the chance to see Lisa Kristine’s photography. To say it is stunning is to underestimate the impact. Lisa Kristine creates more than beautiful art. She inspires. The biography on her website states: Acclaimed humanitarian photographer Lisa Kristine creates more than images, she inspires change. A … Continue reading
Time speeds up in the summer. I’m sure of it. It seems I just finished teaching my early summer classes and declared my short sabbatical from blogging and “Whoosh,” school is beginning again. I’ve lived virtually my entire life on the academic calendar, where each September brings the chance for a new start. And each … Continue reading
I was going to start my blog vacation today, but I couldn’t resist one more post to share this: Camp Google. How’s this for problem finding? Camp Google is a free online camp, focused on children ages 7-10–and it starts July 13. While activities (obviously) start online, they are designed to get kids up and … Continue reading
I’ve always loved Rube Goldberg machines. So when I discovered a book designed to help make “Chain Reaction” machines out of LEGOs, I jumped at the chance. Together with a 10-year-old friend, we built the first contraption in just a few minutes. It looked almost identical to the photo at the left, and was made … Continue reading
creativiteach 