Giving Up Control in the Classroom with Andrea Mango

How can teachers empower children to be more creative and engaged in class, even when they don’t want to? In this Fueling Creativity in Education episode, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood welcome Andrea Mango, an elementary STEAM teacher based in Williamsville, New York. This episode focuses on bridging the gap between theories and […]

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 […]

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.  […]

Highlight the Essence: My Quest for Bringing Creativity into my ELA Lessons

January ushers in a much anticipated New Year —a chance to look back and look forward during a dizzying time for all. While there were unspeakable challenges in 2020, there have also been opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and growth.   Back in March, when the pandemic hit, I realized that my elementary and middle school students […]

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 […]

The Many Faces of Ms. Teixeira

A few years ago, while leaving my classroom at dismissal, I ran into another teacher, who gave me an inquisitive look, puzzled by my extravagant style. (I think I was wearing a faux fur hat, boots, dramatic makeup, a gladiator belt over a winter dress… and more). In good humor, I paused, looked at my […]