Chapter 1: Creative Classrooms & Chapter 2: Finding Your Creative ApproachThe first two chapters of Launch, by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani, have me reconsidering where to begin at BSMS in regard to the 4 Cs. Originally, we thought collaboration was a good place to begin, but maybe it's creativity. I say that because I believe that an awareness of ones own creative approach, as well as valuing others' creative approaches, is critical in successful collaborative learning environments. I'm eager to read more about the "Launch Cycle" to see how Spencer and Juliani propose launching these ideas in our school. At this point, I'm thinking our first step with professional development focused on creativity is redefining the term "creative" with staff. I'm positive that when we say "creativity" teachers think along the lines of making something -posters, brochures, videos - those sorts of tasks or as we call them projects. What we really need to be saying is "creative thinking" and "creative design." In the first chapters of Launch, it's clearly explained that creativity is so much more than an extra (artsy) project. Creative thinking and design can easily become part of our daily routines across all content areas. It's a matter of engaging students in situations that require creative problem solving, creative solutions, creative approaches, creative designs, and creative roles. It's explicitly teaching students that WE ALL have different creative approaches and each member of a team and the classroom has valuable creative ideas to offer. The classroom culture has to foster this creativity by allowing students (and teachers) to fail and try again! We have to change the mindset that there is a right answer or a correct way to a solution. In reality, there can be many solutions in most situations. I truly believe this is where creativity falls apart for both teachers and students. We're afraid to take risks and put ourselves out there with new ideas or innovative approaches because we have been conditioned that there is a right way! In my role as an instructional coach I often hear teachers say, "I'm not creative." I appreciate that Spencer and Julliani address the idea that some teachers feel they are not creative. They clearly state, "Not creating is a choice." They give perfect examples of how teachers are creative every day by solving problems on the fly, collaborating to create solutions, and managing the many personalities we encounter on a daily basis. Again, this comes back to how we define and understand what creativity is! We each have a different approach to creativity. So what's your approach? I'm eager to hear how each of us relates to the approaches explained in the book. Please share in the comments! Can you guess what my approach is? Hint: I'm a combination of two!
5 Comments
Laura S.
6/11/2017 12:43:51 pm
Creativity all the way! It's my classroom mantra and it is a vital skill no matter who you are or where you end up in life for both students and teachers alike. These first two chapters were insightful and I appreciate how they highlight the importance of each and every staff member in a school and the different types of creativity. I can also attest to the fact that cardboard, paper and a pencil can be the media for some creative thinking, you don't always need fancy materials and tech.
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Julie
6/14/2017 08:14:03 pm
Crystal,
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Robyn
6/15/2017 06:41:35 am
Crystal,
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Crystal
6/18/2017 04:47:49 pm
It's interesting to hear what your creative approaches are! I had a hard time choosing just one approach. I actually reread the description of the point-guard approach after your comments. Initially I highlighted the idea that the point guard may focus more on creating experiences rather than a product. I can definitely relate to this! I also think this is key when defining creativity in the classroom - it doesn't always have to be a students create!
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Therese Bukousky
6/29/2017 11:56:51 am
I think I am a geeky engineer. I like to redesign lessons and activities for students but love seeing if it had an effect with data.
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Crystal GrossmanI love... reading, learning, instructional planning, brainstorming, being creative, working with young adults, collaborating with teachers, teaching. I love my job. Archives
February 2018
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