Using a Disciplinary Lens to Expand Creativity
Viewing creativity as a trait that all humans share is a cornerstone of both current research and of the Creativity and Education vision. It is not simply an inherent characteristic manifested by a few talented artists and performers. Rather, it is a marvelous and endlessly rich packet of possibilities that is embedded within every human […]
20 Lessons to Weave Creative Thinking
into Your Curriculum
Ever since Sir Ken Robinson presented his highly regarded TED talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” I have had countless teachers approach me inspired by the “why” we need creativity in the classroom but not knowing how to make it happen. Fortunately, the “how” is the central focus of my professional work and is anchored on […]
Intentional Creative Thinking at Home: Lessons from a Visual Arts Teacher
As indicated in the 2018 Future of Jobs Report, creativity continues to be a desirable skill that is emerging as necessary in the workforce worldwide. Creative thinking, defined as intentionally using our minds to solve complex problems with new solutions, is at the heart of creativity. There are identifiable and teachable creative thinking skills that […]
Copying for Creativity
We are taught from a young age not to copy…don’t copy the test answers from your neighbor…don’t copy your best friend’s homework…all valid instructions, and yet in the world of creativity, copying is a great place to start in building confidence and expanding boundaries. This is certainly true in art, but I think it can […]
Using the Creative Operating System (COS) for Classroom Creativity Integration
“Creativity does not have to be sacrificed to meet educational standards.” ~Frazier/ Walker The importance of helping students discover their creativity and providing them with the skills to become creative problem solvers is evident in the Future of Jobs Report presented by the World Economic Forum. The report states that in 2020, the top three […]
The Real Reason You Should Invest in Your Creativity
Your Investment in Creative Thinking Have you ever invested in a creative thinking course? What was your primary reason for investing in this course? When I started to invest in creativity, my motivation originated from my wish to improve my mental well-being. Although I felt that creativity was what I needed, I did not, at […]
Fail + Learn = Flearn:
8 Ways to Embrace a Creative Mindset
As a parent of teens and an elementary school educator, I can say that this year has been a stressful one for students. Connecting has been more challenging than ever. It is also more essential than ever. It takes a lot of time and effort to create a classroom culture that nurtures a creative mindset. […]
Beautiful OOps for Adults
Let’s play with Beautiful Oops!
A torn sheet of paper. A little drip of paint. A smudge and a smear. “OOPS!” Often times, children (and adults!) are paralyzed when they have an oops. However, what if we were to take an oops and turn it into something beautiful? This is the wonder-filled lesson of the children’s book, Beautiful Oops, written […]
Let’s Play!
A List of Children’s Books to Spark Creativity
When my children were young, I became enamored with children’s books. In just five minutes, I could have a cuddle with my little one as we journeyed through a delightful story full of fun and visually captivating characters. I would sneak off to garage sales on the weekends, where I could easily find used children’s […]
Four Books to Help You Understand the Field of Creativity
If you are interested in creativity, that means that sooner or later, someone is going to ask you The Question. You know, the one that starts, “creativity…isn’t that something you are born with?” After teaching creativity for twenty years, I have had to deal with this question more times than I can remember. As a […]
Create in a Flash
Are you looking for a complete curriculum that will help you teach a creative problem solving course? Then you need Create in a Flash! A Leader’s Recipe for Breakthrough Innovation. I’m Dr. Roger Firestien, and I’ve spent the last 42 years teaching, researching, and consulting in the field of Creative Problem-Solving (CPS). I have written […]
World Read Aloud Day with Barney Saltzberg
Today, we celebrated World Read Aloud Day with One of These Things Is Not Like the Others by Barney Saltzberg — a joyful story that reminds us how our differences make us special. Through playful comparisons and colorful illustrations, Saltzberg encourages children to embrace individuality and celebrate diversity. It was the perfect read to spark […]