Creativity

James J Fraunberger

What is creativity and is it an inherent trait? Who defines creativity? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Creativity is defined as 1:The quality of being creative, 2:the ability to create. But what is the definition of create?
To create
1 : to bring into existence
2 a : to invest with a new form, office, or rank b : to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior

3 : CAUSE, OCCASION
4 a : to produce through imaginative skill b : DESIGN
intransitive senses : to make or bring into existence something new.

When I analyzed the above definitions I came to the conclusion that creativity can not be defined as an exact set of rules but rather as a concept or characteristic of individuality. Creativity is inherent in all of us in varying degrees whether it is artistic, athletic, linguistic or comedic ability. Creativity can not be taught but can be enhanced. I believe that a "Gifted and Talented" child, which is just an acronym for creative children, should be given the opportunity to enhance and share their talents but it should be done in an "inclusive environment.

I have seen GT students pulled from math class to attend GT class, and while I feel they should be given the option to enhance their gifts and talents, but they should not be excluded from regular classroom activities. The GT students may have above average intelligence according to The Gifted and Talented Evaluation Scale (GATES) but it does not mean they can miss academic classes which may jeopardize their scholastic achievement in that particular area.

Creativity is a part of every person in varying degrees from the third world uneducated child to the valedictorian of Princeton University, each one of us has a special talent which may be honed and tuned to full functionality. I have seen Special education students create beautiful pieces of art and intriguing dioramas, and gifted students have created linguistic treasures and reports in great detail. With this in mind, is the artistic gift one that can be taught such as the enhancement of the GT student's academic gift?

The gifted student must be given the opportunity to further their skills but not at the expense of the regular class. Each time the GT student is pulled from class it makes the Special Ed and even the regular ed child feel less important and not "up to par" with their peers. I also feel great empathy for the GT student that is in an inclusive

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