Attitudes towards Creativity

Attitudes towards Creativity....

Over the course of the semester, my attitudes towards creativity have definitely changed.  Beginning this semester, I thought of myself as a “creatively challenged” person.  However, after the completion of many assignments and readings, my thoughts and perceptions towards creativity have changed.  

I personally enjoyed working on most assignments, however, the one that gave me the most challenge was the online crossword.  I often find myself technologically challenged and became extremely frustrated with this assignment.  However, after walking away and gathering my thoughts, I was able to complete the task.  What a feeling of joy I had once the assignment was completed!  

I believe creativity can bring an individual joy and pleasure once they give their mind a chance to wonder.  As with the crossword, the feeling of accomplishment is amazing.  I look forward to using many of the activities learned this semester in my classroom.  

My Favorite Creative Assignment

My favorite assignment this semester was the Morphological Analysis.  What an awesome way to encourage creative, problem-solving thinking into the classroom.  I mentioned in my lessons reflection about using this idea with my 7th grade students.  The students found it to be extremely fun and interesting.  I couldn’t believe how well they completed this assignment and proposed solutions to desertification in Africa.  

I plan on using this assignment with other problem/solution lessons this year.  Many teachers today focus on teaching the basic facts.  By teaching the basic facts, students are not allow to actually apply what they are learning.  The Morphological Analysis not only taught my kids about desertification but allowed them the opportunity to be creative and create solutions to a threatening problem occurring across Africa.  

The Hare and the Tortoise

The Hare and the Tortoise using the 6 Hats of Thinking

White Hat- Who/ What- A race between the Hare and the Tortoise.  Hare doesn't think the Tortoise will ever make it to the finish line.  They agree to race.

Red H- What feelings are generated between the two?  Hare feels superior to the Tortoise.  Tortoise is more laid back and carefree.  The Hare's intuition is that he will always win.

Black Hat- Never Give Up.  Hare needs to be cautious of the steady pace of the Tortoise. 

Yellow Hat- Hare is optimistic he will win however the Tortoise sees the value in a slow, steady pace.

Green Hat- What possibilities arise?  Hare doesn't stop and take a nap.  The fox changes the finish line. Alternatives?  They walk together at a slow and steady pace to demonstrate teamwork. 

Blue- What conclusions can be drawn?  It is important to never give up as the Tortoise demonstrated.  Also, one should never be so sure of themselves that they do no try. 

Osborn's 73 Idea-Spurring Questions

Object:  Tote Back (used for carrying books)

Put to other uses:  reusable grocery bag, diaper bag, suitcase, pocket book

Rational:  Due to the size of my tote bag, it can be used multiple ways.  I generally use this bag to carry my school books, however, it can be used to carry anything under 20lbs due to its size and durability.  

Adapt:  Pocket books, diaper bags

Rational:  As I previously mentioned, my tote back has multiple uses.  One may see it as a large pocket book as one may see it as a diaper bag.  

Modify:  Expand the width of the bag

Rational:  The tote bag is very large in length.  However, to get multiple uses out of it, one may put the twist of making it wider as well as keeping the same width.  

Magnify:  Stronger/ More durable straps

Rational:  Although this is a large bag, I do believe it could be more beneficial if it was built for heavier items.  One way to handle heavier items would be to place thicker and heavier straps.

Minify:  The large pocket inside

Rational:  Although many people would like a large pocket inside to store things, the pocket in this bag basically serves as a compartment for dividing items placed in the bag.  If the pocket was smaller, smaller items could be stored without getting lost inside the bag.  

Substitute:  Stronger material

Rational:  A stronger material would allow for heavier items to be placed inside the bag.

Rearrange:  Pocket

Rational:  A smaller inside pocket would allow for the storage of smaller items.

Reverse:  Straps

Rational:  By changing the way the user uses the straps, one could possibly place the bag on their back and carry larger items.

Combine:  Larger width, more durable straps and heavier material

Rational:  This would allow for a bag of multi-uses.  One could use the bag for a variety of things as well as carry more heavier items inside the bag.