Education and Early Childhood Learning

Extending our understanding of creativity
Creativity is not reserved for sculptors, poets, musicians, or painters, etc., and artistic expression. Creativity transcends all professions, disciplines, and facets of daily life. Creativity ultimately involves “purposeful creation that is novel or unique and has value or significance” (Gini-Newman and Case 51).

Extending our understanding of creativity
There is no such thing as a “creative type.” We are all born with curiosity and the potential for creative thinking. A small percentage of people might be considered “big C” creative. These people may be famous inventors, Nobel Peace Prize winners, or have work on display in museums. Our focus needs to be on “little c” creativity which relates to when people come up with an idea that is new and useful to them in their daily life, like creating a schedule for a busy family, finding a new way to address a classroom school supply issue, solving a math problem differently, or finding an inventive way to share learning.

Extending our understanding of creativity
“Creative intelligence is about tools, not lightbulbs. It’s something we do, not something that happens to us. It’s about what happens during those moments of insight, but also after; it’s the hard work and the collaborations that can help bring your idea out of your mind and into the world” (Nussbaum).

Extending our understanding of creativity
Part of our role as teachers is to nurture, model, encourage, and support creativity. We can do that by creating a learning environment and interactive, organic learning opportunities in which creativity flourishes.