Tap into Student Talent: Five Keys to Unlock Creativity in the New Normal

  

(C) 2020 Scott Freiberger

Albert Einstein had wittily posited, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  With the pernicious pandemic still ongoing the world over, what are some unique ways to engage students and spark creativity?  In addition, how can educators continue to focus students on studies and motivate them to strive?  Here are five keys to unlock creativity in new normal classrooms. 

1. First Chapter Fridays

First, consider First Chapter Fridays, a novel notion to titillate tots and teens alike with terrific tales.  Introduce students to new genres and stories by reading the first chapter of a book.  Then, if the information piques interest, provide opportunities for students to peruse these tales on their own time.  There are also abundant online options available, such as Storyline Online, Epic Reads, and Stories for Kids.

2. Calm Down Corner

Next, supporting students as they introduce ideas, reflect on feelings, and acknowledge actions, particularly during these turbulent times, has become critical. Consider trying a virtual treasure trove of enticing options with a unique calm down corner.  Start with a Google Jamboard to provide students opportunities to reflect, refine, and sort their thoughts as to what hobbies may interest them.  Consider meditation for children, become mindful with kids yoga, provide virtual notebooks for students to capture inspiration, or create subject-specific headbands for students to talk about unique talents, celebrate cultural differences, or consider the beauty of Native American culture.   

3. Bank on Books

After that, consider creating a world book bank.  Deaf World Around You, for example, boasts diverse digital stories (gratis) penned in sign language.  Digital Library also offers leveled and read-aloud books to inspire young minds.  Finally, Feed the Monster is an ad-free app that teaches the alphabet as well as basic skills in reading and writing. 

4. Plan for Podcasts

Then, plan classroom time to present pertinent podcasts.  There are ample awesome adages to be gleaned for girls and boys of all ages.  For starters, Brains On boasts a series of 25 to 30-minute science-related informational podcasts designed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for children in K-2.  Love to argue?  Turn on Smash Boom Best, a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On!  Every episode takes two “cool” things, discusses each, and lets listeners decide which is better. For example, “Cats versus Dogs.”  Do your students ask, “But why?”  Well, why not play the podcast for them!  But Why - A Podcast for Curious Kids boasts a series of 15 to 30-minute science-related informational podcasts for Grade 2+ students designed by National Public Radio (NPR). 

Blimey! Were your students born to be swashbuckling bad guys, or witty world-traveling women? Avast ye, mateys, and tune into Story Pirates!  A terrific, talented team of actors, comedians, and musicians adapt stories written by children into sketch comedy and musical theater, which range from 10 to 45 minutes.  Just don’t break a leg—literally.

5. Get Smart about Science

Nowadays, erudite educators can peruse a plethora of interactive science activities.  Since students love to blow bubbles, why not let them investigate what’s so fascinating about them?  Moreover, you may want to explore life in outer space with the NASA Kid’s Club.  In addition, discover a new daily image or photograph of our fascinating universe via the Astronomy Picture of the Day.  Or, get schooled in science and make a marvelous mess with National Geographic Kids!  Are the kids curious to find ferocious (or friendly) felines?  Delve into animal differences at the San Diego Zoo.  You may also opt to select Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Music (STEAM) activities for the entire family.   

Let Students Soar

Setting students up for success is like building an extensive airplane runway.  Once you establish a strong educational foundation, there’s no limit to how far and how fast your students can soar.  So fine-tune your professional engine, familiarize yourself with your students, their families, and other key stakeholders, build upon a warm, welcoming school culture, and perhaps most important, never lose sight of the fact that all students have intrinsic value.  Especially in this new normal, empower all students to delve into determination and discover happiness, health, hope, and purpose.         

BIO

Scott Freiberger, a passionate Instructional Coach/ENL Specialist and aspiring school leader, is honored to be the 2018 TESOL International Teacher of the Year.  Twitter: @scottfreiberger

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