LISA+BARBA

HELLO,

Favorite Quote: Play is the most important way children inquire about the world, You know I love this quote! YOU WERE TO PASTE THESE ONTO YOUR PAGE NOT UPLOAD THEM AS A FILE. JUST A LOT OF WORK FOR ME TO OPEN AND PASTE THEM ON YOUR PAGE WITH MY COMMENTS.

Creativity in Education CRS 560 Sunny University Lisa Barba Quito, May 19, 2012

1- The concept of creativity has many different interpretations; however in order to foster it in the classroom it has to somehow be defined. Creativity is defined as the production of something original and useful. It seems that the underlying concept behind creativity is originality. I would suggest that innovation and originality are the backbone of creativity. 2- Children are born with an innate sense of creativity and innovation. They are constantly seeking to find different ways to interact with their surrounding which leads to the discovery of numerous possibilities. Nonetheless, certain processes in the schooling system undermine this capacity and standardize their abilities, in order to “un-prepare” them for an ever-changing and unpredictable future. 3- Literacy continues to be the main focus of education through the standardization of concepts, skills, processes, evaluations with the sole purpose of generating a work force that still fits the necessities of an industrialized world. A world that at one point was somewhat predictable. Nowadays, the challenges that the future holds for the upcoming generations is ambiguous. Therefore, creativity and the capacity to adapt should be at the forefront of every educational system. 4- Some of the most successful ways to promote creativity in the classroom is through the integration of project based learning with its innate nature of being open ended and flexible. Project based learning empowers children and it allows for them to conduct their own learning leading to the flourishment of intrinsic motivation and in depth learning. 5- The arts in education are constantly being pushed aside and their importance undermined. Children have less time and exposure to the arts, which has a direct impact on the nourishment of creativity and on the message that the school system is sending in regard to the arts.

I am a kinder teacher and by making a conscious effort to determine how I nurture creativity in my class I can certainly say that there is room for improvement. During our morning routine we do movement, exercise and dancing. I am very open to my children suggesting things and putting them into practice. At the end of the day the children can choose a center and they can interact with the materials in a free manner. This is the time of the day were their creativity can be expressed in many different ways. I believe that more project based activities can be introduced and I am certain that the results will be very positive. SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BE MORE PROACTIVE IN HELPING THESE LITTLE ONES USE THEIR IMAGINATION AND GIVE THEM THE LANGUAGE TO REVEAL THEIR GREAT INNOVATIONS.
 * __Nurturing Creativity__**
 * __Understandings or skills__**

1- Get a clearer understanding on how to assess project based activities. 2- I would like to obtain clear and concrete examples on how project based activities can be introduced with young children. 3- Find ways to teach literacy and academic subjects in creative ways.

I HOPE THESE UNDERSTANDINGS GREW THROUGH COURSE READINGS, DISCUSSIONS, AND ACTIVITIES.





I believe that the strongest creativity blocks that I encounter on a daily basis are emotional. My own insecurity stops me from becoming a more creative person because it has led me to believe that I am not a creative person. Deep down inside I know that I can be a creative individual in many different fields; however, I need external approval to realize that I am creative and can expand my creativity. If someone praises the food I prepare than I become more confident and start conceptualizing myself as a creative cook. I am currently working on being more in touch with myself and becoming less dependant on the approval of others. GREAT. THIS SELF AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP IN FOSTERING CHANGE AND GROWTH
 * Creativity Blocks **

Fine visual metaphor for the creative process. All the pieces are there. Lisa/ Mireya Barba Foundations of Creativity Sunny Program Quito

**__Lesson Plan__**


 * Discipline and Topic:** How We Express Ourselves / Language Arts


 * Age:** 5 and 6 year old children

What are the different elements in a story? What makes a story interesting? Would you like to read a story that doesn’t have an ending? How do you think an author comes up with a story?
 * Learning Outcomes:** Children will understand the concepts of character, setting, plot/problem, story sequence and end of story.
 * Essential questions**


 * Strategy:** Morphological Matrix

Children have been exposed to different classic children stories through read aloud and story analysis. They also had the opportunity to recreate the stories with the use of different media.

With the introduction of the Morphological Matrix, they will be able to deepen their understanding of the different elements of a story in a creative and engaging way.

Classic Stories Matrix
 * Character ||  Setting  ||  Problem  ||  End of the story  ||


 * Description of Strategy:**

1- Children will brainstorm to look for the different elements that will be part of the matrix. 2- In groups of five children we will draw from a hat 5 characters, a setting, a problem and the possible end to the story. The children will need to act out the made up story. 3- While they are acting I will take photos of the process. 4- As a small group activity we will put together a class book with the photos and the children will dictate what happens in the story. We will make three class books with alternative classical stories.

Classical children books Camera
 * Resources/Materials:**


 * Assessment:** With the use of the class book the children will be asked to point at the characters of the story. Define the setting. Retell the story and identify the ending. I will ask the children to determine what are the differences between the classical story and the one they came up with.

Ask the groups of children if they would like to perform in front of an audience of other kinder kids. Save Class books from previous years to enhance the idea of endless possibilities.
 * Reflection:** If a child does not feel comfortable acting out they will have the possibility to pass.

Fine idea to understanding character and plot by creating new stories. I think the matrix will provide a good structure for the children.
**__Lesson Plan # 2__**
 * Discipline and Topic:** Sharing the Planet/ When we recycle we can transform ordinary things in creative pieces of art.


 * Age:** 5 and 6 year old children

Do you think that we can use junk to make things? What do you think recycling is? Why do we recycle? Can you give some examples of recycling.
 * Learning Outcomes:** with a hands on activity children will be able to explore their creative side through the use of recycled materials.
 * Essential questions:**


 * Strategy:** creative problem solving

Parents will be asked to send any recycled materials that they have at home. The materials will be placed in the drama center, other materials will be supplied such as masking tape, glue, scissors and other elements that the children request.


 * Description of Strategy:**

1- The center will be open for the children to explore freely. There will be no guided instructions in regard to how to work and play in this particular center. Nonetheless, children will be expected to clean up after they are done in this center. BUT WILL THEY CALL THIS THE RECYCLING CENTER? WILL THEY BE EXPECTED TO COME UP WITH NEW USES? CAN YOU HAVE SCAMPER WORDS UP TO GIVE THEM IDEAS? 2- I will observe how children interact in this center. 3- Their products will be on display and on Friday each child will have to explain what their creation is and if it has any uses. 4- During the last week of class as a whole group I will ask the children to let everyone know how they felt while they were creating in this particular center and if they think that working with recycled materials is fun.


 * Resources/Materials:**

- Any type of recycled material - Class resources, such as masking tape, scissors, glue etc.


 * Assessment:**

The formative assessment, which is determined by the discussions that we will have based on the essential questions, will drive the summative assessment. The children will be asked to answer the same questions after their exploration of the creative center.


 * Reflection:** Based on the creations of the children we will have a display that hopefully will have an impact on the other kinder children and teachers in order for them to adopt the idea of having a creative center in their class. Include the art teacher in the creative process and have her guide the children in the creative process with recycled materials.

I AM NOT SURE I WOULD PUT THIS CENTER IN THE DRAMATIC PLAY AREA. I WOULD CALL IT THE RECYCLING CENTER. I GUESS MY VISION MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU HAVE IN MIND. I AM NOT SURE WHERE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING COMES IN HERE IF YOU DON'T GIVE THEM A PROBLEM TO SOLVE.

__**Socratic Questions:**__

Is the creative process a rational endeavour? How can you accept failure and criticism and not let ist stop further creativity form happening? IS THIS YOUR ENTRY CARD? WHAT ARTICLE OR TED TALK DID YOU BASE THESE QUESTIONS ON?