Bay Area Discovery Museum Blog

“Conformity and creativity run in separate directions.” This lovely sentiment from Martina Skender’s post How to Create Creativity simply states what I think we all feel in our gut. Her article offers tools and techniques for adults to harness their creativity and in her words, “Expand your mind and give it lots of input.” She identifies 3 strategies often used by those in the “creative industry” to jump start their flow. I think these are also tools we, as parents and educators, can use with the children we know. Most adults have been asked to Brainstorm in one context or another. I’m not suggesting you bust out a Sharpie and one of those giant post-it pads with your 3-year-old corporate retreat style, but I do think the idea is useful, especially when dealing with redirecting behavior. Skender defines the process:

"The Brainstorming process starts off with the problem clearly stated and recognized by all participants. One person out of the group is chosen to write down all the ideas that are suggested in order to make them simultaneously visible to all others."

Let me demonstrate: Little Billy wants Sally’s truck. He takes it and she hits him. They are both crying now. Using the brainstorm tactics, state the problem, “Billy you wanted Sally’s truck but she’s not done using it. Sally you hit Billy. Let’s think of some ideas to solve this problem together.” Voila! You are brainstorming wit... continue reading

We had a wonderful time presenting at the 2010 Striving for Excellence Conference.  Below you'll see a list of resources generated by the people who participated in our workshop as well as the handout we provided. Resources and Materials: Recycled Materials Communtiy-Donated Materials Clear bin for stroing materials Shower Curtains (Ikea) Squeegies, Sponges, and scrapers Ask kids to help clean-up Shop yeard sales and garage sales Books: Not a Stick by Antoinetter Portis The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater The Dot by Peter Reynolds Books by Leo Leoni Developing Creative Environments Indoors and Out
Bay Area Discovery Museum at Striving Excellence 2010

Bruce Simon- Director of Education
Kathleen Sheridan- Connections Manager
Heather Posner- Public Programs Manager

The qualities we use to describe creativity, explore, discover, immerse, imagine, and connect are innate in all children.  By supporting children through open-ended, child-directed, authentic experiences we allow these qualities to flourish and thrive.  Even in an education system dominated by standardized curriculum and assessment, these qualities are requirements for children to develop a complete set of skills and aptitudes to successfully manage the challenges they will face as they grow and develop.  As with literacy and math, the first five years of a child’s life are tremendously important for the enhancement and support of creative development.

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Saturday, February 6 11 a.m. India is a land of myths and legends, which are told through richly staged performances. Blending traditional and folk traditions, Sanhiti explores the rich diversity of South Indian dance.  Buy tickets online. World On Stage Ethnic Performance Series 2010 January 9 – February 27
Discovery Theatre, presented by Wells Fargo Members $7; General Child $12; General Adult $14  (includes Museum admission) continue reading