Creativity

This month we are talking about Creativity! The dictionary would tell us that the primary use of Creativity is to create something artistic, but the definition we are using is much bigger than that:

Creativity: "Using your imagination to create something or solve a problem."

Creativity is one of the most important skills for a better future because it is only by imagining new or improved solutions that it is possible to solve present problems. While more and more of the world becomes automated, Creativity is becoming one of the most sought after skills in the workplace because it helps us think beyond the box, innovate, and imagine a better way. We are born tremendously creative and, as we grow up, it is easy to “stop playing pretend” or exercising our imagination. This month encourages just the opposite! We must practice building the muscle of Creativity if we are going to use it to solve the big and little problems all around us. We will work together in new, unique ways. We will build things and break old patterns. We will CREATE and imagine the best version of ourselves and the world.

Read, breathe, dance, paint, or draw along with Kermit the Frog as he sings this beloved song about the power of Creativity and imagination.

Vocabulary:

Express: to communicate a thought or feeling
Repetition: the repeating of something

Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong-American actor, director, martial artist, instructor, and philosopher. In addition to being a performer, Lee practiced Creativity by creating and founding the martial arts Jeet Kune Do, which is a different form of Kung Fu.

1. How are you feeling today? How can you express your feelings to others creatively?
2. Who do you care about? What is something you can create to express your feelings for that person?

Vocabulary: Unexpected: not expected or thought likely to happen

Masaru Ibuka is a co-founder of Sony, a huge business that is responsible for some of the most popular electronics, gaming, and entertainment in the world. Ibuka used Creativity to lead the research and development that led to numerous innovations such as color television and using transistor technology for non-military use.

For Discussion:

1. How is Creativity connected to Empathy?
2. Think about your plan for today. What are three ways you can do or see something differently?

A song that reminds students how fun it is to pretend and use their imagination!

Read or watch (1:21) “Beautiful Oops” by Barney Saltzberg. Talk about how we can use our Creativity to turn an “oops” into something new. Provide students with scraps from your recycling bin and other craft supplies. Allow students to use their imaginations to turn the scraps into something new. Take a gallery walk to allow students to check out one another’s creations.

-OR-

• Watch the author, Barney Saltzberg, demonstrate a “Beautiful Oops” in this video (demonstration begins at 5:50).
• Ask students to write about their creations.
• Allow students to work in partners to collaborate on their projects.

Discussion

• What does it feel like when you are working hard on something and you have an “oops” moment?
• Can you describe a moment where you have turned an “oops” into something beautiful?
• How can you use positive self-talk to help you when you feel like you have made a mistake?
• What can you say to someone else when they are upset after making a mistake?

Build a mock Pirate Ship in your backyard to be your balloon launching target. From the porch, patio, or a decent distance away, launch water balloons at the ship to keep the bad guys at bay. Throw them at the ship by hand or use a Balloon Launcher to get more distance.

No water balloons around? Become a pirate for the day with your child and see how long you can make believe together. At the very least, try out the pirate accent for a day!

Provide each student with a blank piece of paper and ask students to set their crayon boxes or markers on their desks. Set a timer for 30 seconds. During the 30 seconds, students should begin drawing on their papers. When the timer goes off, students will rotate to the next desk. Students should look at what is happening on the paper and add more details to the scene. Continue to the rotations until every student has added something to every paper. At the end of the activity, take a gallery walk to allow students to view all of the creations!

Make your mark of Creativity as you sing along with Emily Arrow.

Divide students into two groups so that you can “stagger” the storm. The first group starts, then the second group echoes what they’ve just done a few beats behind. Invite students to do this with their eyes closed if they want to heighten the sense of sound.

• Step 1: Rub palms together.
• Step 2: Snap fingers slowly.
• Step 3: Snap fingers more rapidly.
• Step 4: Clap two fingers against your palm.
• Step 5: Full clap using both hands.
• Step 6: Slap your legs.
• Step 7: Stomp your feet.
• Step 8: Go back through these 7 directions in reverse order to slowly stop the storm.

Think "ishly" while you sing along and move to the music of Emily Arrow.

When we utilize Creativity, we may become frustrated when things do not go our way. Try out this Brain Break to practice managing your frustration when things become challenging

Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
Creativity starts with you! This book inspires students to have the Courage to be free spirited, to have big and little dreams, and to stay true to who you are.

Where’s Your Creativity? by Aaron Rosen
Creativity doesn’t just happen in your head. Look around and see the world in a whole new perspective. Children are encouraged to express themselves and embrace their individuality.

Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzburg
How can a splotch, a smudge, a smear make something beautiful? Let your Creativity run wild as you let those mistakes beautiful your world.

Because by Mo Willems
How does one person’s Creativity inspire the stakeholders who cross through their path? Read the newest score by Mo Willems to find out how contagious Creativity can be.

Remarkably YOU by Pat Zietlow Miller
Celebrate all of the things, big and small and everywhere in between, that make you YOU.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A young girl has a magnificent idea in her head! She knows exactly how she wants it to look, but when she tries to create it, nothing goes her way. Find out how she uses Perseverance and Creativity to work through her challenges.

What If by Samantha Berger
This book if full of beautiful, creative ways to express yourself and celebrate the human spirit!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
Temple Grandin was a visual learner and her unique way of thinking helped improve farms and empathize with animals. She amazed everyone when she became a powerful voice in modern science.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader’s Edition by William Kamkwamba
When a drought leaves parts of Malawi with no crops to eat or sell, William Kamkwamba has to think of a plan. He has to research a way to solve his problem and decides to build a windmill to bring electricity to his village, which changes the lives of the villagers.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Where can a single dot take you? Read this Creativity masterpiece before creating your own.

Westlandia by Paul Fleishman
Starting your own civilization is NOT too big a task for this big dreamer. Join Wesley on his creative adventure.

What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada
What’s a person to do when an idea pops out of nowhere and starts to pursue them? See what develops when you recognize the idea and give it the attentive Creativity it needs to get growing.

Pens, Pencils and Brushes: A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation by Mindy Johnson
This book is not just for girls, but is instead about the amazing women who’ve helped make the magic of Disney. This book tells the true story of those who played important roles in everything from story artists to animators to inkers and painters.

Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, this story reminds of the magic a little color can bring!