by B. Taylor

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

A background in Dramatic Art helped me develop creative teaching tools while teaching English and Language Arts classes. So much of what is done during the school day requires left-brain, analytical, and logical thinking. When the creativity and abstract thinking abilities of the right-brain (the part of the brain used in drama class) are incorporated in school activities, then students 'wake up' and are likely to make new connections.

One of my favorite cures for writer's block for Creative Writing students is an old drama game I'll call "Tell Me About..." The rules are simple: teacher asks student a question and student answers it - immediately. No hesitation, she just starts talking. The questions can be quasi-realistic, such as "Tell me about the time you showed up at a formal party wearing your holiest blue jeans," to complete fantasy, "Tell me about the time you jumped off the Empire State Building and made it to Mars." This activity is a lot of fun, and creative writers have an easier time writing down their ideas afterward.

Clustering is another creative teaching tool which utilizes the right-brain's visual-spatial ability. Students make charts of their ideas and connections before writing paragraphs and essays.

Clustering is a versatile skill and can be used in many classes. Students make charts in addition to taking notes to study later as homework. When teachers use a variety of teaching methods it gives students the highest chance of making necessary connections and understanding new material.

Sometimes a creative teaching tool is right in front of a teacher, but he needs to recognize it. Teach vocabulary by playing Scrabble. Change the rules, of course: all players are allowed to look up words during the game, and don't keep score. The kids enjoy and learn at the same time.

Mathematics is an area that need to be infused with more creativity and hands-on activities. Base ten Montessori blocks are an excellent tool. The students handle these blocks to help them figure out math equations, and the structure prepares students to learn the decimal system. If they are expensive to buy, make your own with craft beads and wire.

The more creative the teacher, the more creative teaching tools she will bring to the classroom. When a classroom is infused with creative thinking and creative teaching tools, the students have better chances to develop their own creative thinking and to succeed at learning.

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