We shall explore different kinds and layers of creativity. We shall focus on what it means to be a creative learner. It is very rare for someone to bring unique, completely original creativity to the world, but we can be everyday creators and, in doing that, we shall enrich our lives and our learning.
Original and world-shaking creativity
We shall look at truly original creativity, which is rare to find, because it is an act of creativity that is unique in human history. However, because it is so unusual, we shall not make this the main focus of the book. We do need to bear in mind, though, that we may be teaching or have in our group a child who will either be encouraged or constrained by us, but who will one day become a famous creator. This amusing poem by Peter Dixon helps us to think about this!
We shall look at truly original creativity, which is rare to find, because it is an act of creativity that is unique in human history. However, because it is so unusual, we shall not make this the main focus of the book. We do need to bear in mind, though, that we may be teaching or have in our group a child who will either be encouraged or constrained by us, but who will one day become a famous creator. This amusing poem by Peter Dixon helps us to think about this!
Recreating an idea in a different time and place
Another aspect of creativity is that sort of creativity which repeats itself in different parts of the world at different times. There is a great deal of reinventing the wheel. The Romans invented under-floor central heating, which was re-invented at a later point in history. Creations are regularly lost in a particular culture and then found again later by someone creative, or by a creative group of people who co-operate together.
Another aspect of creativity is that sort of creativity which repeats itself in different parts of the world at different times. There is a great deal of reinventing the wheel. The Romans invented under-floor central heating, which was re-invented at a later point in history. Creations are regularly lost in a particular culture and then found again later by someone creative, or by a creative group of people who co-operate together.
Specialists who create ideas which are important in their field, who may not become famous, but who contribute in important ways
In science, the humanities and the arts, we find people who are very creative and who help their field or discipline to move forward. Some will become well known and famous within or beyond their area of expertise; some will not, and won’t become household names.
In science, the humanities and the arts, we find people who are very creative and who help their field or discipline to move forward. Some will become well known and famous within or beyond their area of expertise; some will not, and won’t become household names.
Everyday creativity that makes life worth living
The major emphasis of this book is on the everyday creativity which can be part of anyone’s life, beginning with babies, toddlers and young children, and parents and practitioners working with them. Everyday creativity is what lifts the experience of children and adults out of being pedestrian and commonplace, and enables them to do things which are original and important. This will give them what the psychologist Maslow (in Storr, 1989: 201) calls the ability to become ‘lost in the present’ because they are able to live the moment to the full. They become ‘totally immersed, fascinated and absorbed in the present’. These important moments free us from other people, so that our authentic voice, our deeper self, can emerge and be strong. This is as true for children as it is for adults.
The major emphasis of this book is on the everyday creativity which can be part of anyone’s life, beginning with babies, toddlers and young children, and parents and practitioners working with them. Everyday creativity is what lifts the experience of children and adults out of being pedestrian and commonplace, and enables them to do things which are original and important. This will give them what the psychologist Maslow (in Storr, 1989: 201) calls the ability to become ‘lost in the present’ because they are able to live the moment to the full. They become ‘totally immersed, fascinated and absorbed in the present’. These important moments free us from other people, so that our authentic voice, our deeper self, can emerge and be strong. This is as true for children as it is for adults.
Everyday creativity brings quality to our lives. It is about creative learning and so values the processes of creativity, the developing of ideas alongside the hatching of them. Expert creators, or world-shattering creators, hatch mega-important creations. Most of us bring to fruition creations which are important for us as individuals, within our families and those we love and are loved by. They are just as important as the world-shattering creations. For those who work with or bring up young children, the more we can learn about how to help creative learning for all, the more we help individuals and how they can contribute to the world as well as finding the fulfilment that creativity brings into their lives. Fulfilment is deeper than happiness or enjoyment. It helps us through the difficult times as well as the easier side of our lives.
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