We screen kids in 2nd grade for an identification in gifted/talented creativity so each year I end up with a handful of kids that are identified in this area that then need to receive services and instruction to enhance their learning. Since there is no curriculum that I have found to teach kids how to be more creative, I have used a variety of resources to try and meet their needs. I thought it might be helpful to share how I go about planning for creativity lessons.
My focus for planning instruction is based on two areas:
1. That they understand what it means to be creative in ALL areas. Activities we do show them how to be creative as a scientist, performer, mathematician, writer, etc. I try to make sure that they understand that no matter what your future profession, creativity is a valuable skill. So many times they think of it as being good at art and drawing. I try to show them that creativity can be expressed through problem solving too.
2. I want them to know that sometimes being creative is coming up with lots of ideas (fluency) and other times it is the details you add (elaboration) and other times it is thinking of things in new ways/problem solving (flexibility.) We try to do projects where the final product emphasizes one of these elements so they can practice. Every so often they do a project for me that requires all three: brainstorm all the solutions you can think of, choose the most unique idea, and then carry out your plan with appropriate details.
Every time I start with a new group, I take some time to get their stereotypes literally on the table. I cover the table with paper and ask the kids to draw and/or write what creativity is and then we do another paper with where does it come from. The discussion that comes from sharing their ideas is always interesting and leads me to see what areas we need to explore to open up their minds. Check out this link from my classroom blog if you want more details on this activity.
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/creativity1
I use a variety of resources to plan lessons. Most lessons stand alone or only continue for a couple of weeks. My creativity groups only get to come to me for 1/2 an hour a week on Fridays so time is limited. Some of my favorite resources are from Teachers Pay Teachers. Click on the images below to check them out.
My focus for planning instruction is based on two areas:
1. That they understand what it means to be creative in ALL areas. Activities we do show them how to be creative as a scientist, performer, mathematician, writer, etc. I try to make sure that they understand that no matter what your future profession, creativity is a valuable skill. So many times they think of it as being good at art and drawing. I try to show them that creativity can be expressed through problem solving too.
2. I want them to know that sometimes being creative is coming up with lots of ideas (fluency) and other times it is the details you add (elaboration) and other times it is thinking of things in new ways/problem solving (flexibility.) We try to do projects where the final product emphasizes one of these elements so they can practice. Every so often they do a project for me that requires all three: brainstorm all the solutions you can think of, choose the most unique idea, and then carry out your plan with appropriate details.
Every time I start with a new group, I take some time to get their stereotypes literally on the table. I cover the table with paper and ask the kids to draw and/or write what creativity is and then we do another paper with where does it come from. The discussion that comes from sharing their ideas is always interesting and leads me to see what areas we need to explore to open up their minds. Check out this link from my classroom blog if you want more details on this activity.
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/creativity1
I use a variety of resources to plan lessons. Most lessons stand alone or only continue for a couple of weeks. My creativity groups only get to come to me for 1/2 an hour a week on Fridays so time is limited. Some of my favorite resources are from Teachers Pay Teachers. Click on the images below to check them out.
You can read about a couple of other activities I have done in my classroom by clicking on the links below from my classroom website:
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/more-creative-opportunities
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/creativity-5-for-5
Lastly, because my students have Advanced Learning Plans that spell out their goals for the year in their area of identification, my students have a creativity goal. And when you have a goal in education, it is always great to be able to assess their progress. I have worked with another teacher from my district to create a creativity product rubric that we use on various projects during the year to give students feedback. Use the image below or download for free from TPT:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creativity-Rubric-1062736
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/more-creative-opportunities
http://traceybean.weebly.com/blog/creativity-5-for-5
Lastly, because my students have Advanced Learning Plans that spell out their goals for the year in their area of identification, my students have a creativity goal. And when you have a goal in education, it is always great to be able to assess their progress. I have worked with another teacher from my district to create a creativity product rubric that we use on various projects during the year to give students feedback. Use the image below or download for free from TPT:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creativity-Rubric-1062736