The April Blogging from A to Z Challenge continues!
C is for CREATIVITY
Creativity is a gift, a given, right? So why do we need to teach it in the classroom?
In a recent article on “Cultivating Creativity in the Classroom” from Psychology Today, Michael Hogan, PhD, gathers arguments from creativity experts that inform us how students are losing their creativity through standardized testing and mandated procedures. It’s the scientific version of a recent post here, where comic genius John Cleese speaks to adults on regaining their creative talents (it’s a great video – go ahead, click and watch it right now. You can come back).
While I won’t get into the debate about whether, or how much, students are losing their creative gifts (you can read the research as well as I can), I will share this little tidbit from Dr. Jane Piirto. She urges everyone to think about boosting their creativity in a very physical way – The Princess and the Pea method.
The Princess and the Pea
Remember how annoying that little pea was to the delicate skin of the princess? In Piirto’s exercise, students write down five acts which constitute personal risk-taking upon which they vow to act. This paper is then folded into a ‘pea’ and placed on the person (in one’s shoe or bra) as a constant reminder to take those avowed risks.
Now, it’s your turn. What 5 acts of risk-taking – of CREATIVITY – can you think of? Write them down, fold the paper, and put it in a…um, uncomfortable place. You’ll be thinking about your goals a lot more frequently, I can guarantee it!
Leave a comment for me, if you please. Writing is a lonely business.
Also, visit some of the other few thousand bloggers participating in the A to Z challenge by clicking below:
Karen B. Nelson 
I’m going to try this, Karen. I think technology and social media is as much to blame as standardized testing mandated procedures. Also, we’re afraid to be individuals anymore. When you think about it, it’s kind of scary.
I always am looking for ways to motivate my creative mojo (and overcome my propensity to procrastinate). Thanks for a great idea.
One of the qualities I hope to establish through homeschooling is creativity. To be able to think “outside the box” so to speak.
TaMara
Tales of a Pee Dee Mama
Love this idea! I’m not sure I’m quite willing to try it just yet, but I will definitely keep it in mind for when I get stuck or am in a rut. 🙂
Good to see you here in the A-Z Challenge! I enjoyed doing the interview over at FFC so much.
Hmmm good idea, but I am nearly 80 and haven’t run out of creative ideas yet. Maybe in a few years. :). Best regards to you. Thanks for the interesting ideas. Ruby.