http://www.edutopia.org/sir-ken-robinson-creativity-video
Ken Robinson has got it right. While I believe in the importance of the institution of education, I see creativity stomped out of children each day, and it makes me sad. Creativity is a naturally occurring thing, where children try new things based on the way they have been socialized. When children attend school, the teacher says "Color the scarf red, and the hat blue." If the child uses the color they would like to use instead of what has been prescribed then that child fails. After so much time with these types of directions, children begin to lose their autonomy and depend on others to tell them what to do. This may make for obedient children, but not very creative children.
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What can you do to reverse the trend toward squelching creativity? What role does technology play in fostering creativity? How do you demonstrate your own creativity when you are with kids?
ReplyDeleteReversing the trend toward squelching creativity must begin higher up in the system, with administration, and then work its way down to the classroom. Sadly the trend in curriculum has been toward more and more scripted lessons, removing creativity from teachers as well as students.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to have a unique bit of software in my classroom. The Waterford Early Reading program allows the children to write their own books by choosing one of three pictures to fill in blanks to a basic story. After they have filled in all of the blanks, the computer reads the story and then the child is able to print a copy to take home. I had a child print seven books in one day- each one was different. I also have coloring programs which allow the children to "color" on the computer by clicking on different crayons and then clicking into areas of a black and white picture. If they choose to make a character green with purple hair and blue lips, then that is what they choose to do. The program helps them recognize colors and to determine reality from fantasy.
Prekindergarten has been the one area where creativity has not been destroyed. I show creativity with my students by allowing them to use open ended art materials, which allow them to create as they desire instead of how I prefer. I add to the prescribed curriculum, and ask the students what they would like to do to support a theme. An example of this is when I taught my students about Chinese New Year and asked them what part of the holiday they would like to participate in within the classroom. They decided to make a Chinese Dragon, they decided what color to paint the body, and they decided which features to include. The Dragon was wonderful, and they were proud to carry it in their theme end celebration parade.
Prekindergarten is such a wonderful, care-free, open-minded, free-falling, pick yourself up and do it again, age to be. I agree with you, give them the freedom to do, create: art, music, dance, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou must have a lot of energy !!!
I don't have as much energy as I used to, but my students do keep me on my feet! Prekindergarten is so rewarding- especially when they look at you with wide eyes that say "Oh! I get it!". It is also so rewarding when they say "I love you Miss Smithers!"
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