In this age of standardization, many English teachers are unsure about how to incorporate creative writing and thinking into their classroom. In a fresh new voice, Luke Reynolds emphasizes that “creativity in our lives as teachers and in the lives of our students is one of our most vital needs in the 21st century.” Based on his own journey as an English teacher, A Call to Creativity is a practical guide that shows teachers how they can encourage and support students’ creativity in the English/language arts classroom. The book offers both the inspiration and practical steps teachers need to engage their students through a variety of hands-on projects and worksheets that can be used immediately to insert creativity into any standards-based curriculum. Book Features: Adaptable projects tested in diverse school environments.Guiding questions at the end of each chapter.Lesson plans for creative writing assignments.Over 30 pages of worksheets and sample assignments. Luke Reynolds has taught 7th- through 12th-grade English in Massachusetts and Connecticut public schools, as well as composition at Northern Arizona University. He is co-editor of the bestselling book Burned In: Fueling the Fire to Teach. “This book puts wheels on high ideals in a way that can move us toward the kind of education our students deserve and our best teachers desire.” —Parker J. Palmer, bestselling author “This book sounds a hopeful note in the current era of teaching. . . . It shows us we can still be passionate and practical, creative and collaborative at a time when too many feel it is impossible.” —From the Foreword by Jim Burke, author of The English Teacher’s Companion “I can’t think of a more important topic or a more inspired treatment of it than this book. I’m not just recommending this book, I can’t wait to teach it and use it myself. Bravo, Luke Reynolds! Viva, Creativity!” —Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Boise State University, author of “You Gotta Be The Book”, Second Edition “Every chapter in A Call to Creativity is a real gem! Using humor and his gift as a storyteller, Luke Reynolds shows teachers not only how creativity can be woven through standards-based curricula, but why it is essential to do so.” —Christine Sleeter, professor emerita, California State University, Monterey Bay, co-editor of Teaching with Vision “Luke Reynolds provides a purposeful framework to help teachers transform the fundamental elements of contemporary practice into classroom experiences that awaken students’ creativity, passion, and energy.” —Sam Intrator, professor of education and the program in urban studies, Smith College “This marvelous new book by Luke Reynolds shows how passionate teaching is lit by soul and vulnerability, knowledge of self on the part of the teacher, and a willingness to explore what can really happen in a classroom if you challenge students to engage their muscular and creative minds.” —Kirsten Olson, Institute for Democratic Education in America (IDEA), author of Wounded by School

Perhaps you're a "closet writer" who's been scribbling in journals for years. Maybe you once had a passion for playing the piano or violin--a passion that is still flickering somewhere deep inside you. You may have a knack for photography, drawing, gardening, cooking, or some other creative gift. Or you may long to express yourself creatively, but have yet to discover your unique talents. Your creativity was meant be used. Whether you are an artist who has already identified your gifts or you believe that you have artistic talent that has never been developed, working through this book will help you grow closer to becoming the person God has designed you to be. *LEARN TO CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AS YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION * EXERCISE YOUR ARTISTIC GIFT REGULARLY AND BEGIN TO THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST. * DEVELOP THE HABIT OF JOURNALING AS A WAY TO REALIZE UNLOCKED CREATIVITY AN EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM FOR FULLY DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTIC GIFTS AND ENTERING INTO A CLOSER UNION WITH GOD. INCLUDES A RETREAT GUIDE. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE OR GROUP STUDY.

"Linda Schierse Leonard explores the many parallels between the cycles, moods, and landscapes of nature that foster inspiration, renewal, and hope. Leonard shows how understanding these parallels helps us move through dark times so we can be ready to receive and actualize creativity in our lives." "Leonard encourages readers by showing that the obstacles preventing them from creating a better life are like those that artists confront, and that imagination can be born of frustration. By understanding how to cultivate the helpers within us - and by following the examples of well-known artists - we can develop and appreciate creativity in everything from our search for meaning to family and love relationships, from communications and business ventures to artistic endeavors."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Have you ever found yourself wondering, am I creative enough?, or where do I go from here? You are not alone. As you ll read, Elle didn t think she was creative enough, Gabby didn t recognize her creativity, and Luke McElroy hit wall after wall in his own journey of pursuing his God-given calling. Full of useful insights and strategies, Creative Potential explores the process of finding your creative potential. Part memoir and part manual, Luke McElroy will take you on a journey from the beginning of the SALT Conference to the in-depth look at four biblical principles of unleashing your creative potential. Here's a great review from Executive Creative Pastor of Freedom House Church, Stephen Brewster: Every creative person that I know has struggled with the thought, am I enough? Through this book, Luke helps you understand the calling, the commitment to excellence, the need for collaboration, and what happens when your God-given creativity becomes contagious. I wish someone would have unpacked this for me when I was a young creative just getting started, it would have saved me years of fear, doubt, and anxiety. If you have any aspirations to grow your creativity please read this book! Everyone was designed by God with a calling over their life. Yes, that includes you too! And in this personal and powerful new book from Luke McElroy, he shares the never-before-told story of his own journey of finding his calling, and the lessons God taught him in the process. But this is more than just his story. As you read Creative Potential, you ll see that it is also your story, and alongside that story are the four key principles that will help you find and step into your own creative potential within that God-given calling. Join Luke as he helps readers all across the world identify and maximize all the potential that God has given you to fulfill His purposes for your life.

MOST OF US hear the call to create. We write, cook, paint, make music, garden, or pursue some other creative endeavor. But sometimes our will falters. We lose motivation or become overly critical of our efforts. We abandon our projects or never start them in the first place. Kim Antieau understands the will to create. She writes books, curates art shows, takes photographs, sculpts clay, and produces public art. In these pages she distills the wisdom of her years spent in creative pursuits. This workbook edition of Answering the Creative Call includes extra pages, both lined and unlined, with plenty of room to write and draw your way to a better understanding of your creative self. This inspiring book shows you how to set the stage for your creativity and get your mind right. Kim reveals the secrets of perseverance and cultivating a can-do attitude. With practical advice on how to get started and how to keep going, this luminous book will enhance all aspects of your creative life.

The author of Expressive Writing for Healing shows readers how to explore their potential, embrace your creative spark, and live a more fulfilled life. “I’m not creative. I could never do something like that. I don’t have time to be creative.” Does any of this sound familiar? Do you find yourself wishing that you had pursued your creative talents before it was too late? In a world full of creativity, there is no such thing as “too late.” Called to Be Creative is for anyone looking to reignite that tiny spark inside of them and invite creativity into their lives through simple, everyday practices. A certified grief counselor and a Program Coordinator for Shalom Spirituality Center, Mary Potter Kenyon walks you step by step through the process of exploring your true potential in this inspirational guide to embracing your innate creativity. With in-depth research from the most notable creative authorities, insight from creative pioneers, her personal experiences, and small activities to kick-start your own creative revolution, Kenyon offers you everything you need to live a more creative life. “I devoured this book. Each chapter is filled with encouragement and inspiration. If you’re looking for something to feed your creative soul, this is it.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Mary Potter Kenyon skillfully braids together stories about her personal life, stories about the lives of people she knows, philosophical ideas, practical advice, current research, and interesting and motivating activities for the reader, creating something that makes you want to put the book down and start creating something wonderful.” —Doug Shaw, author of Social Nonsense: Creative Diversions for Two or More Players

Being creative is a lot simpler than you think-though blocked artists might beg to differ. Creativity flows from your true self; it does not need to be drummed up, nor does it belong only to a chosen few. If you want to create, you already have what you need to do so. In her seventh book on creativity, painter and teacher Michele Cassou presents a groundbreaking explanation of intuition that will revolutionize your creative journey in work and in life. Introducing you to a new path that leads to the true meaning and purpose of creativity, she shares key principles and eye-opening insights that free you to explore. As you learn how to navigate the possible blocks, you will also discover the potential healing that can come from embracing the process. Answering the Call of Creativity is for artists of all types, but it's also for adventure seekers and anyone thirsting to revitalize their lives. Don't miss the chance to experience the thrilling passion and playful enjoyment of creating unhindered.