Tag: creative thinking

Reveling in Winter White: Cloud Dancer

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This morning, the snow called for me to breathe, slow my pace, and put my mind in order. It opened up a space for me to write and wonder, to dream and create.  I definitely have a deficit in those areas.  I don’t think I have attention deficit; I think I have intention deficit.  I get so involved in so many day-to-day comings and goings that I forget what is most important to me.  Thank goodness, nature has a way of reminding me, bringing back, pulling me into its healing sphere.

Taking Wing: Bird Research & Poetry in 2nd Grade

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As the students wrapped up their science studies, I offered to read some of my own bird poems to demonstrate how they could transform their research into creative writing. Becky and I envisioned this as a dynamic way to bridge scientific inquiry with creative writing, transforming our students into "poetic scientists."

Joy to Writers: Lessons from 2nd Grade

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 This week, I had the great pleasure of working with our 2nd grade students.  I did a short, guided listening activity in which I gave them multi-step directions and then they drew from memory.  The object they were creating was a girl, a simple shape by shape little girl with a party hat on her head and a present in one hand.  They all followed the directions perfectly. Then I asked them:  What is the girl’s name? Who is the present for?  What happened at the party?  Then on the back of their paper, they were asked to tell a story. It is still amazing to me what young children can do with a simple prompt.

Put Learning in Their Hands

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I’m at a point in my life when I look back and reflect on my decisions, I think about all the steps (and missteps) I’ve made that brought me this far.  The one thing that stands out for me is how working with my hands has been a major theme throughout my childhood, teenage years, and all the decades of my adult life.

Crafting Perseverance in the Wonder Studio

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...the Wonder Studio is a place where no one is telling them what to do; they can devise their own projects and get messy. This is very important to them, and I dare say, it is a crucial part of growing and learning. Children need opportunities to try out ideas, fail, try again, and keep going until they succeed, which in this case comes in the form of felt, wood, beads, hot glue, and cardboard.

Working in the Wonder Studio: Stitching Meditation

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This fall, the 5th graders had four weeks to explore the Wonder Studio.  We showcased things made of duct tape, and I had pictures of different projects on the bulletin board for them to see and get inspired.  However, what ended up inspiring them was some orange felt and black socks I had in the sewing space.  October was mainly spent teaching a group of girls to sew.

Revisiting a Young Writer’s Practice

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As a child, I loved to write. The pencil was an extension of my hand and mind.  I found that all the stories in my head could be released onto beautiful blank white paper.  This revelation was exciting to me.  I couldn’t wait to jot down my stories. It took me some time to realize that not everyone in the world finds writing fun and adventurous.  It wasn’t until I became a teacher that I learned that there are children who have trouble getting their stories down on paper.

Secret Escape: Forest Bathing in October

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Lately, I’ve taken my camera with me to the woods to record the passing of the seasons and to meditate as I walk.  My pace is slow.  I scan my surroundings.  I listen for the wind, the birds and insects. I came across a charm of goldfinches last week.  What a golden treasure they were!  I scout out small hidden places.  I walk in wonder.