Tap into children's natural curiosity and scaffold their creative abilities across all domains of learning--and nurture your own creativity!

Examines and responds to the tension educators face while trying to nurture creativity within the curricular constraints of the classroom.

In their world, neither static definitions of intelligence nor traditional ideas of training stand us in good stead. Rather, we need to reframe the question given what lies before us and come to terms with a different answer posited in different language. This, then, are those who will thrive in the 21st Century: • They will blend multiple intelligences in a way that might be described as synthetic or even symphonic • They will be ambitious and focused without being self-obsessed • They will value asynchrony and even seek it out • They will use their own marginality to generate novel perspective and new work • They will exhibit a steadfast resilience in all phases of life • They will be measured by what they produce over the course of a lifetime, not by any static notion of capacity or quotient In the fractured environment of the 21st century, true success will be unique and unexpected—the result of a creative response to complex, shifting challenges. So, how do we prepare? How do we educate ourselves and our children for life in 2050?

Young Children and the Arts: Nurturing Imagination and Creativity examines the place of the arts in the experiences of young and very young children at home and in out-of-home settings at school and in the community. There is great need for development of resources in the arts specifically designed to introduce babies and toddlers to participatory experiences in the visual arts, dance, music, and storytelling/theater. This book presents valuable guidelines for early childhood teachers, families, caregivers and community organizations. Young Children and the Arts presents a comprehensive approach to the arts that is aligned with early childhood developmentally appropriate practice and that combines an exploratory, materials-based approach with an aesthetic-education approach for children from birth to eight years of age. It addresses both how the arts are foundational to learning, and how teachers and parents can nurture young children’s developing imagination and creativity. The models presented emphasize a participatory approach, introducing young children to the arts through activities that call for engagement, initiative and creative activity. Additionally, Young Children and the Arts addresses the intersection of early childhood education and the arts—at points of convergence, and at moments of tension. The role of families and communities in developing and promoting arts suffused experiences for and with young children are addressed. Young Children and the Arts examines the role of innovative arts policy in supporting a broad-based early arts program across the diverse settings in which young children and their families live, work, and learn.

A myth-shattering how-to by the established authority in the field that proves creativity must originate from within the child and shows parents and teachers how to help foster it.

A must for all classroom teachers and those training to teach, this book is a user-friendly guide to exploring the nature of creativity with ideas and practical strategies for nurturing pupils’ creative skills in primary and secondary schools. It offers a detailed exploration of pedagogy that nurtures creativity, specifically examining the concept of creative agency by looking at how individuals are encouraged to develop their own skills of imagination, innovation and collaboration. Accounts from people well-known for being creative provide a lens through which to critically examine a variety of theoretical frameworks, published creative education checklists, and other relevant research and case studies demonstrating creative pedagogical practices. The book thus draws together consensus from multiple perspectives about the conditions most effective for nurturing creativity. This practical theorising approach will help professionals in educational settings engage in critical enquiry about teaching for creativity, while reflective questions encourage the reader to explore their own perceptions and practice.

Taking a fresh look at the role of creativity within the early years, this accessible guide explores what is meant by creativity and considers how creative skills, behaviours, and thinking can be identified and fostered in the individual child. Underpinned by the latest research and policy, chapters illustrate how creative attitudes can be adopted in all subject areas, and opportunities for creativity maximised. Creative Learning in the Early Years acknowledges the power of creative processes in helping children reach their full potential in the early years and beyond. Photocopiable work tools enable the reader to plan, observe, assess, and record progress as they develop playful and creative approaches, whilst practical advice and demonstrable examples are easily integrated into existing practice. Topics addressed include: recognising and encouraging creative tendencies stimulating the child’s imagination developing adult creativity and self-awareness creating enabling environments and creative spaces using documentation and planning to inspire creativity. An exciting and accessible guide which encourages exploration, experimentation, reflection, and development, Creative Learning in the Early Years will support current and future early years practitioners as they discover the rich opportunities opened by creative practice.