Play is important. Why else would it be so consistent across the human and animal worlds? When we had kittens in our house, the two of them found the world a continual source of adventure. They stalked one another with delight, dove into our shoes just for the sake of popping back out, and chased … Continue reading
Recently I had the chance to snuggle down with some of my favorite young people to watch the movie Big Hero 6. I’ll admit I did not have high expectations, given that the hero of the movie bears a striking resemblance to Ghostbusters’ Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. But Big Hero 6 was not just delightful … Continue reading
So often, creative thinking entails bringing two different things together. Lists of inventions (and crazy holiday catalogs) are full of combinations, from cat brush mittens to Google Glasses. Other times the combinations are more abstract—using metaphors to spur new ideas or solve problems. And sometimes, creative combinations are just fun. Ask Chris Durso of Foodiggity … Continue reading
What would have happened if Cinderella were a man? How might the story be different? An old Irish folk tale provides one answer. As retold by Shirley Climo (and just in time for St. Patrick’s Day), The Irish Cinderlad tells the story of Becan, whose chief worry since childhood was his enormous feet, until his … Continue reading
Where do creative kids get their dreams? Some of them look at the skies. And maybe some of them learn about others’ dreams and go looking for their own. One of the gifts we can give young people is the lesson that they can look for the thing that inspires them. And one way to … Continue reading
Did you know there is a U.S. National Postal Museum? I didn’t. I’ve learned that the National Postal Museum is part of the Smithsonian and it is full of interesting things. Fortunately for those of us who don’t live near Washington, D.C. , it can be explored online. One area organizes resources thematically. For example … Continue reading
A friend recently shared this with me and I chuckled, thinking a few of the students in my graduate research courses might benefit from it. I considered sharing it with a middle school math teacher friend, but wasn’t sure if it would lead to learning or middle school hysteria. I suppose it could go either … Continue reading
What would life be like if you used your phone a little less? Would you be bored? Brilliant? That’s the question posed by the podcasters at New Tech City in their Bored and Brilliant project, subtitled “The Lost Art of Spacing Out.” The podcast suggests that we have a need for boredom—a quiet space for … Continue reading
Children’s author/illustrator Eric Carle asked 14 friends that question and the result is the delightful book, What’s Your Favorite Animal? In the book, 14 children’s authors present their favorite animals, with (of course) accompanying illustrations. The book is a treasure of creativity. Think of all the ways it could be used. Examine all the different … Continue reading
Do you teach poetry? Do you teach about these men? I started to blog about cowboy poetry, but really what I want to say is, go here. Read this. Listen to the story, or scroll down to the bottom and read the transcript. Read the poems. Aren’t they beautiful? It’s a far cry from what … Continue reading
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