4 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Creativity in education is desperation disguised as something wonderful. It's comes from a teacher trying to reach every student in the classroom. Not just the gifted students, the slower students, the mainstream students, the auditory learners, the tactile learners, but every single student in the classroom needs to understand the concepts. The task seems impossible. Desperation and impossibilities come together and creativity is born.

How about some examples from some of my creative teachers and the things they have done to spark interest and understanding in the ordinary classrooms of our public schools?

The first day of kindergarten Pete came in and promptly climbed on top of the desk and stood very still. Miss Taylor quickly went to stand next to him and see what was happening.

"I am being a statue."

Now remember this is the first day of Pete's formal education. Miss Taylor's reaction could have global consequences. He may the next great scientist who will find cures for the world deadliest diseases. She knew Pete couldn't be left on the desk and came up with her creative solution.

"Great idea Pete. Could you please be a statue on this little stool? I will set this timer right here and when it goes off I will need you to stop being a statue and join us." Pete spent three glorious minutes being a statue. He did it every morning for the next 6 months and then one day he announced that he was tired of being a statue. No one call the school psychologist. No one panicked. Everyone just let Pete be Pete.

Mr.Waylett was a fifth grade teacher. Math was his specialty. It was tough and sometimes the kids just got discouraged. After an exceptionally tough class Mr. Waylett passed out chocolate candies to the entire class. Mrs. Kurtz came in and made her disapproval clear. Mr. Waylett stood his ground, "Sometimes kids need something besides a grade, today it was chocolate".

To the great Mrs.Schofield who took us out on the basketball court and we dribbled the ball and shot till we learned every spelling word on the list, I say "Bravo". I could already spell, but I finally learned to make a basket.

Creativity is ignoring the conventional lesson plans at least once in awhile to reach a student who needs a different approach. It's an open mind to any idea that is not harmful to a child. Creativity is the real reason most teachers wanted the job in the first place. Creativity is seeing education with the wanderlust of a child.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to define creativity in education?
We want to hear your view. Write now!