At the beginning of the school year my class read the story about Pete The Cat. You may remember Pete from my can creation assignment. At first glance this story may just seem to be a story about color words. When you look further you quickly realize that the story has a deeper meaning... when life gets you down, you keep moving because it's alllll gooood!
Below is the reader's theatre for the story of Pete The Cat "Rocking my White Shoes."
Genre: Fiction
CULTURE: American (late 19th century)
THEME: Self Confidence and Colors
READERS: 8
READER AGES: 5 and up
LENGTH: 4 minutes
PREVIEW: Did Pete let it get him down? Goodness no!
ROLES: Gitar, Pete, Stawberries, Blueberries, Mud, Bucket of Water, Shoes (2)
Gitar: Pete likes to go to school.
Shoes 1: Pete loves his white shoes.
Gitar: He walks along singing this song.
Pete: I love my white shoes. I love my white shoes.
Strawberries: One day Pete steped in a pile of strawberries.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: RED!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes.
Blueberries: The next day Pete steped in a pile of blueberries.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2 : BLUE!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my blue shoes. I love my blue shoes.
Mud: Then Pete steps in a big puddle of mud.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: BROWN!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just let singing this song.
Pete: I love my brown shoes. I love my brown shoes.
Water: The next day Pete steped in a bucket of water.
Gitar: What color did it turn his shoes?
Shoes 2: WHITE! But now they are all wet!
Gitar: Did Pete let that get him down?
Shoes 1: Goodness no!
Gitar: Pete just kept singing this song.
Pete: I love my wet shoes. I love my wet shoes.
Everyone together: Because it is all good!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Creativity in the Classroom
Finding the balance between allowing students opportunities to be creating and teaching the required curriculum can be difficult. It can be a stressful situation for any teacher! Currently I am in this predicament myself. This year our grade level has been asked to implement a new math program and text books. Before this program came to our school our kindergarten team was given the free range to create our own lesson plans that we felt met the standard course of study objectives we were teaching. This year we have felt very much like our ability to create has been taking away. This has been a difficult learning curve that we are still trying to work through. After reading the article by Adams it is clear that finding a balance between creativity and standards is a lot like trying to find a balance between using a text book verses not.
To be honest hearing what Adams had to say was just what I needed to hear this week. "Each type of learner is valuable (p. 59, 2007). Many times as teachers we often write off those students who are distracted as those who are having difficulty learning. Rather than pushing them to think deeper we take the easy road and allow them to complete basic assignments. Adams challenges us to create free thinkers who have "imaginative intelligence and are curious to discover what lies beyond the given boundaries (2007).
Another point I found enlightening from the reading this week was the part where Adams discusses how we must teach students HOW to be creative. Even though many students are truly gifted, creative thinkers, we are not all born this way (myself included). Adams states that "teacher behaviors influence creativity. Teachers that realize creativity is multidimensional, not an ability or personality trait, will nurture the concept within their classrooms (p. 60, 2007). It is time for us as teachers to stop believing this type of behavior will happen naturally on its own. We must begin facilitating it within our classrooms.
Providing opportunities for creativity in a classroom can be challenging. Finding the necessary time for these activities can be difficult in our already very busy schedules. However, if we begin making creative thinking a part of our daily routines (i.e. Daily 5 tasks, math talk, free writing/journal time, etc.) we may begin to see our students surprising themselves (and their teachers)!
To be honest hearing what Adams had to say was just what I needed to hear this week. "Each type of learner is valuable (p. 59, 2007). Many times as teachers we often write off those students who are distracted as those who are having difficulty learning. Rather than pushing them to think deeper we take the easy road and allow them to complete basic assignments. Adams challenges us to create free thinkers who have "imaginative intelligence and are curious to discover what lies beyond the given boundaries (2007).
Another point I found enlightening from the reading this week was the part where Adams discusses how we must teach students HOW to be creative. Even though many students are truly gifted, creative thinkers, we are not all born this way (myself included). Adams states that "teacher behaviors influence creativity. Teachers that realize creativity is multidimensional, not an ability or personality trait, will nurture the concept within their classrooms (p. 60, 2007). It is time for us as teachers to stop believing this type of behavior will happen naturally on its own. We must begin facilitating it within our classrooms.
Providing opportunities for creativity in a classroom can be challenging. Finding the necessary time for these activities can be difficult in our already very busy schedules. However, if we begin making creative thinking a part of our daily routines (i.e. Daily 5 tasks, math talk, free writing/journal time, etc.) we may begin to see our students surprising themselves (and their teachers)!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hard Work vs. Insight
This week we were posed this question from Davis, "In your own creative productivity (even if it is just writing term papers), how much of the final product is due to hard work, one or more sudden 'insights,' or some chance happenings or discoveries (p. 141, 2004)?"
At first thought I began thinking, "Of course it has to be mostly hard work! I did not get the brains of the family so I must work hard to compensate for my lack there of." But after thinking deeper into the true meaning of the question I had a glimmer of hope. Yes in fact, I realized, many of the projects I have been the most proud of are created from little insights and discoveries. Does this mean I may truly be creative? Oh boy I sure hope so!
When you think about research, term papers, group projects, etc. although hard work is certainly a huge component, sudden insights can certainly help you to turn something good into something great, A+ work (or in teacher language, a level 4).
I guess if I must break it down into terms Davis would like to see I would say the following equation is true (in my humble opinion):
50% hard work + 25% sudden insights + 25% chance discoveries = creative productivity
I have to admit, growing up a small town girl raised by a family tree full of working class full blooded Americans I appreciate hard work and how far it can take you. That effort combined with an extra spark of creative thinking can lead to some pretty amazing ideas!
At first thought I began thinking, "Of course it has to be mostly hard work! I did not get the brains of the family so I must work hard to compensate for my lack there of." But after thinking deeper into the true meaning of the question I had a glimmer of hope. Yes in fact, I realized, many of the projects I have been the most proud of are created from little insights and discoveries. Does this mean I may truly be creative? Oh boy I sure hope so!
When you think about research, term papers, group projects, etc. although hard work is certainly a huge component, sudden insights can certainly help you to turn something good into something great, A+ work (or in teacher language, a level 4).
I guess if I must break it down into terms Davis would like to see I would say the following equation is true (in my humble opinion):
50% hard work + 25% sudden insights + 25% chance discoveries = creative productivity
I have to admit, growing up a small town girl raised by a family tree full of working class full blooded Americans I appreciate hard work and how far it can take you. That effort combined with an extra spark of creative thinking can lead to some pretty amazing ideas!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Creative Scavenger Hunt: A Photo Journal
This past week our assignment was to complete a scavenger hunt. Looking in unexpected places we were to locate several key factors that can contibute to creativity. For the assignment I chose to hunt for creativity at the State Fair.
Legos are a very ordinary tool children have used for many years. Turning these legos into objects beyond your wildest dreams... amazing!
Next up is a great example of an art form that was certainly found in an unexpected place. In the middle of the State Fair is a building full of artwork created by children. This beautiful display can be found in the midst of crowds, rides, and fried deliciousness.
Each year the fair chooses a theme. This theme can be found throughout several competetions around the fair grounds. One particular competetion requires participates to turn a pumpkin into an object that represents the fair's theme. When I first saw this display I had to do a double take. Could have fooled me!
Everyone knows that fairs are famous for their fried goodies. Last year the Krispy Kream primered. I must say, after one bite I can be certain Shakespear would be inspired to write his next monolog!
Mozart was known for creating beautiful compositions that have greeted several bridal parties walking down the isle. Any of Mozart's seranades would be perfect background music for this spring garden inspired wedding reception.
I recently saw Celine Dion in an interview on Oprah. It is clear she is a lady that is all about her family. Her infertility story was very insirational. I admire her courage and her ability to maintain a strong family life while being successful. I too share Celine's feelings about her family. I think it is time for Celine to write a song about a daddy and his little girl. What a special relationship they share!
This sweet lady created the adorable sock monkey my daughter is now obsessed with. Her talent has brought many hours of happiess into our lives. After asking a few questions I learned that Ms. Leniavell has been sharing her talent at the fair longer than I have been alive. She started quilting as a girl and now shares her creations with thousands of fair goers each year. I did not get a picture with this sweet lady but I did find one on The Village of Yesteryear's website. Here is a link to her picture. http://www.villageofyesteryear.org/LeniavellTrivette.html
Seraching for creativity at the State Fair was a lot easier than I expected. Who knew such talent could be found in an atmosphere where greasy food smells fill the air. Now if I just had another excuse to go back...
Legos are a very ordinary tool children have used for many years. Turning these legos into objects beyond your wildest dreams... amazing!
Next up is a great example of an art form that was certainly found in an unexpected place. In the middle of the State Fair is a building full of artwork created by children. This beautiful display can be found in the midst of crowds, rides, and fried deliciousness.
Each year the fair chooses a theme. This theme can be found throughout several competetions around the fair grounds. One particular competetion requires participates to turn a pumpkin into an object that represents the fair's theme. When I first saw this display I had to do a double take. Could have fooled me!
Everyone knows that fairs are famous for their fried goodies. Last year the Krispy Kream primered. I must say, after one bite I can be certain Shakespear would be inspired to write his next monolog!
Mozart was known for creating beautiful compositions that have greeted several bridal parties walking down the isle. Any of Mozart's seranades would be perfect background music for this spring garden inspired wedding reception.
I recently saw Celine Dion in an interview on Oprah. It is clear she is a lady that is all about her family. Her infertility story was very insirational. I admire her courage and her ability to maintain a strong family life while being successful. I too share Celine's feelings about her family. I think it is time for Celine to write a song about a daddy and his little girl. What a special relationship they share!
This sweet lady created the adorable sock monkey my daughter is now obsessed with. Her talent has brought many hours of happiess into our lives. After asking a few questions I learned that Ms. Leniavell has been sharing her talent at the fair longer than I have been alive. She started quilting as a girl and now shares her creations with thousands of fair goers each year. I did not get a picture with this sweet lady but I did find one on The Village of Yesteryear's website. Here is a link to her picture. http://www.villageofyesteryear.org/LeniavellTrivette.html
Seraching for creativity at the State Fair was a lot easier than I expected. Who knew such talent could be found in an atmosphere where greasy food smells fill the air. Now if I just had another excuse to go back...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Personality Traits of Creative People
This week's readings are interesting and insightful. I found it very intriguing to learn more about specific personality traits that can be used to describe those who are creative. I also found the information about birth order to be fascinating as well. Although I am still struggling to consider myself a creative person I did identify with several of the characteristics (both positive and negative) and birth order implications.
In our text Table 5.2 describes "Categories of Recurrent Personality Traits of Creative People." After careful examination of the list I most identified with #3 - Independent. As an only child I like to think of myself as a very independent individual. I enjoy time by myself and I feel confident doing tasks on my own. In fact, I would much rather do something myself than ask for help or have someone do it for me. Some of these characteristics that I identified with most are: prefers working alone, strong willed, self-directed, self-organized. It is very curious to me how many of the characteristics that are used to describe someone who is independent describe me in my job but not in my personal life. For example, within my job I am very confident. I am also assertive. I wish that I could be as confident, calm, cool under pressure, and decisive in my personal life as I am as a teacher. I wonder what that must mean about my ability to be creative...
As far as birth order goes I have to say I am not surprised by what I read. It wasn't a shock to discover that most politicians and those with highly regarded professions were first born or only children. It makes sense. Unfortunately was never one of those only children with a IQ through the roof. I did however have an eye on me at all times. I remember saying during arguments with my parents as a teenager, "If I only had a brother you wouldn't think I was so bad." I think this type of attention can have both a positive and negative impact on only children or first borns. It truly is a perfect catch 22 scenario. On one hand it is wonderful to be the only apple in someone's eye. On the other hand it can be stressful to always feel the pressure of meeting someone's expectations.
Regardless of birth order I like to think I have creative characteristics within me. Although I may not be the most creative person on the planet I am a little creative and that is better than not being creative at all.
In our text Table 5.2 describes "Categories of Recurrent Personality Traits of Creative People." After careful examination of the list I most identified with #3 - Independent. As an only child I like to think of myself as a very independent individual. I enjoy time by myself and I feel confident doing tasks on my own. In fact, I would much rather do something myself than ask for help or have someone do it for me. Some of these characteristics that I identified with most are: prefers working alone, strong willed, self-directed, self-organized. It is very curious to me how many of the characteristics that are used to describe someone who is independent describe me in my job but not in my personal life. For example, within my job I am very confident. I am also assertive. I wish that I could be as confident, calm, cool under pressure, and decisive in my personal life as I am as a teacher. I wonder what that must mean about my ability to be creative...
As far as birth order goes I have to say I am not surprised by what I read. It wasn't a shock to discover that most politicians and those with highly regarded professions were first born or only children. It makes sense. Unfortunately was never one of those only children with a IQ through the roof. I did however have an eye on me at all times. I remember saying during arguments with my parents as a teenager, "If I only had a brother you wouldn't think I was so bad." I think this type of attention can have both a positive and negative impact on only children or first borns. It truly is a perfect catch 22 scenario. On one hand it is wonderful to be the only apple in someone's eye. On the other hand it can be stressful to always feel the pressure of meeting someone's expectations.
Regardless of birth order I like to think I have creative characteristics within me. Although I may not be the most creative person on the planet I am a little creative and that is better than not being creative at all.
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