We are innately programmed to be creative. Our brains are bored with the status quo and we constantly search to find new ways to entertain ourselves. Babies repeat the same motion until they master it and then strive for new intriguing pathways. People get tired of their clothes, shoes, hairstyles, etc. and look for new ways to express themselves.
But, can creativity be taught? The simple answer, yes.
I'm picturing my love of ceramics. I started the class in high school and have continued taking classes off and on for the past twenty years. I'm by no means an expert, but I love to dabble. I love the feeling of the clay in my hands, kneading it, and bending it to my will. My instructors have always given us the basics. We all need a little structure to form our piece, don't we? The beginning stages are always: make a coil pot. But, how will that pot take shape? Where will a skinny neck blend into a wide body? Will I cut pieces out of it? Add a handle? Decorate it? What kind of glaze? That's all up to me and my inspiration.
Creativity can be taught when we have the inspiration to move ourselves into unknown territory. I'm so glad I was inspired to stand up and start walking. Crawling could've become quite a drag at 37. Can inspiration be taught? Nyeh, I'm not so sure of that. But, come to think of it, people's energy, enthusiasm and spirit can inspire, too. I would have never tried salsa dancing if I didn't have my colleague's infectious and enthusiastic love of salsa infused into our daily conversations. There again, I learned the basics that led me to dance creatively. I use the structure of the dance and its steps, but I choose how I'll sway to the music, when I'll turn and when my hand will fly into the air with a resounding flick of the wrist. Sometimes I fight the system and my husband's style and go Cuban...swirling around him, hips get to flare, steps are wide...everything bigger and wilder.
So, how does this relate to our classrooms? What inspiring questions, activities, lessons can I provide so that creativity is sure to follow? When can you show me you know the material in a varied manner versus the traditional approach? Where, how and when will I fight the system and "Go Cuban" in my own classroom? The key is to balance the structure of the steps with the opportunity to "Go Cuban". If we didn't allow for creativity, the students would maintain the same status quo. Likewise, I'm riding the inspiration and infectious desire for changes that you all provide, so that I can stretch and grow my own abilities. I must say, the first step has definitely been....blogging.
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