Making "Things" Are Seeing a Rebirth

Years ago kids made things in their classrooms, clubs, and at home.  We changed direction in schools because of standardized testing and accountablility for those results.  Instinctively we humans are inventors, makers of things, and creators .  Today in schools we can do these things again, not only with hands-on art supplies but with project-based learning using technology tools.  Read this article to see how different school districts are using creativity in the classroom resulting in collaboration between students and teachers.

The Maker Movement Conquers the Classroom.  Greg Thompson. 4.20.14.  The Journal - Transforming Education Through Technology. 
http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/04/30/the-maker-movement-conquers-the-classroom.aspx

Is Creativity Impossible in School?

We all know that creativity can lead to innovation and that we as teachers should encourage original, novel thinking in school.  However, the very nature of our schools' bureaucratic structure and its insistence on order, discipline, and obedience limits creativity. In some cases creativity in children can be considered pathological behavior as opposed to the compliant traits of being reliable, sincere, and tolerant.  Yet in spite of all the constraints, teachers can learn to recognize and respect the child who can't conform to the school environment.  Many creative children pursue their interests outside of school.  This article explains the difficulty of the school environment for creative children.

Can Any School Foster Pure Creativity? Cevin Soling. 3.18.14. Mind/Shift
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/03/can-creativity-truly-be-fostered-in-classrooms-of-today/
 

Rekindle Creativity in Your Students

Young children are very creative and think so.  Older children don't think so.  Children lose their creativity as they get older.  Why?  Author, Jonah Lehrer is quoted in this article that as children compare their work (drawing, story, etc.) with other children, they become self-conscious and shut themselves down.  Read how Lehrer proposes to remedy this malady which will be helpful both to parents and teachers.

Are We Wringing the Creativity Out of Kids?  Annie Murphy Paul. 5.4.12.  Mind/Shift
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/05/are-we-wringing-the-creativity-out-of-kids/

How to Recognize and Assess Creativity

What is creativity?  How do we recognize it in our students?  When we see creativity, how do we assess it and give feedback to students?  These questions are important and often are misinterpreted by teachers.  This article answers these questions and gives excellent advice to teachers that will stimulate creativity.  An interesting rubric for assessing creativity is the highlight of the article to me.  What do you think?  Please share your thoughts.

Assessing Creativity.  Susan M. Brookhart.  February 2013; Volume 70.  Educational Leadership
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb13/vol70/num05/Assessing-Creativity.aspx