This video has been making the rounds on Facebook, but it is worth repeating here–particularly as valentine thoughts are waning. In it, Noah and the Whale’s rendition of “Give a Little Love,” provides the background to a short story of cause, effect, and kindness. Think about how this video could be used to spark a … Continue reading
Today, guest blogger Melanie returns with a post for those of you who teach English, love Jane Austen, are interested in video blogs or just want to see an amazingly creative riff on classic literature. Here’s Melanie. Even if you don’t teach Pride and Prejudice in class, this web series presents a special opportunity for … Continue reading
12/16/12 I had my next Creativiteach offering ready to post, when this week’s tragic events in Connecticut made me wonder if silly Christmas offerings were appropriate at a time of national mourning. I decided they were—because I believe helping the children in our charge reclaim their joy and childhood is important work for of all … Continue reading
I’ve always liked to tell stories. When I taught primary grades and we had 5 minutes left before lunch, I’d sometimes make up tales of flying strawberries and magic islands. Those were charmed moments, free of misbehavior as students joined me in imaginary adventures. But other subjects became stories, too. Events in history became real … Continue reading
Recently, The New York Times has been publishing the results of its Found Poetry contest for students. This is a grand opportunity to introduce students to the poetic form of found poetry and to share exceptional examples of work done by high school students. Found poetry takes words and phrases from existing texts, rearranges them … Continue reading
Today I want to talk about flexible thinking, looking at a situation from many perspectives–and doing it through vehicles that may not immediately spring to mind when you think about creativity: editorials, debate, and The New York Times. Sometimes teachers (and others) think about critical and creative thinking as opposites—two sides of a coin. This … Continue reading
Periodically, I’m hoping to use this blog to share technology tools you can use to support creative thinking–preferably tools that allow you to do so without cost! This is the first such post. Since I’m entering the new technology world of blogging, I want everyone else to have technology adventures, too! One of the most … Continue reading
Today’s “bonus post” was prompted by a walk. Strolling through my hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan these days is more interesting than usual. Attached to a number of the lampposts downtown are WhirlyDoodles, wonderful lighted sculptures that combine art and science into whirling wind-powered light pinwheels. They’ve been covered on Detroit television and are bringing … Continue reading
This is an fascinating moment for those of us who are interested in creativity. Creativity has caught the public eye, and individuals from teachers to politicians are sharing concerns that our test-focused education is choking the creativity out of our schools. As a result, news about creativity is popping up in unexpected places. In July … Continue reading
So, friends, here’s the plan. I’ve been trying to decide on a reasonable number of posts for this blog—enough to keep it useful and to keep creativity on the mental front burner, but not so many that I can’t manage them. I decided to aim for two posts per week. On Monday I’ll post a … Continue reading
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