As this is posted, I will be somewhere on the probably-snowy roads, visiting my in-laws for the holidays. I know many of you will be equally busy so, for today, here’s some lovely Christmas music, results of creativity past and present. Clearly, Christmas is part of both my traditions and my faith. I am amazed … Continue reading
For many years, one of the favorite Ann Arbor Christmas traditions was a large crèche (nativity scene) display, with examples from all corners of the world. That particular display is no longer available, but Christmas nativities remain a wonderful example of creative expression across cultures. There are not many opportunities to watch artists from all … Continue reading
As you can tell from recent posts, I’m swamped with end-of-semester grading, with a few glimpses up from the research to blog. Since I just can’t manage one more scholarly thought, the next few posts are likely to be full of seasonal creativity—some of it pretty silly. And I’ll bet I’m not the only one … 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
One of the best known poems in the English Language begins, “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house….” It is also one of the pieces of literature most imitated, parodied, and adapted. At my house we have Cajun Night Before Christmas that includes a pole-driving Santa in a skiff pulled by alligators … Continue reading
In my part of the world, we are in the middle of a season full of lights, music, festivities and gift giving. It is also a time when many people think about sharing with those in need. Clearly, some of us do this with exceptional creativity! Canstruction is an organization that collects food for the … Continue reading
One of the challenges and delights of creativity is that things often don’t turn out the way we plan. A year (or was it two?) ago, I made gingerbread houses with some of my favorite children. The houses were pretty impressive, given the ages of the architects, surrounded by green jellied-leaf trees. One child used … Continue reading
In much of the world, December is a time of lights. December holidays are times for candles and sparkle—not surprising during a month that, for the northern hemisphere, is the darkest time of the year. So, for December, our family fun is all about light. 1. Make a light table from a plastic box. It … Continue reading
Lucky me. I just had the chance to spend the weekend with a houseful of energetic and imaginative young people. Since I’ve known them all since birth, it has been an amazing journey to watch them grow from toddlers who one day decided it would be fun to pretend to be soup, to children creating … Continue reading
Imagine the look on a parent’s face to any child’s declaration that begins, “I know, I know. You’re really mad. But I can explain. See I was reading about Galileo…” and ends with, “so even though the car has a concrete block sticking out of the roof, technically, it’s not my fault.” This is the … Continue reading
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