Joining #EngageChat from Colorado to talk about creative ideas with @daviswelcome and @JKatzaman. Plagiarism is the highest form of flattery, so I am told.
In reply to
@JKatzaman, @daviswelcome, @daviswelcome, @JKatzaman
Good evening! I'm Jess, 7th grade writing teacher in Texas. I mentioned #engagechat in my blog post today!
Empowering Students One Phase at a Time -- Innovative Teaching Academy https://t.co/XJEdBrTriY
A1: To me, creativity simply means to create- could be anything from a fine work of art to a spreadsheet with data to a new way to make something. #engagechat
#engagechat A connection to the universe, a sense of how it is all put together- a vision of how to manipulate and tinker with the design and fabric of ideas- and using this gift to express your inner voice that sees the big picture.
A1: Creativity is thinking of possibilities that no one else has thought of before! This can’t happen in an atmosphere of staff/students afraid to take risks!! #engagechat
A1: To me, creativity simply means to create- could be anything from a fine work of art to a spreadsheet with data to a new way to make something. #engagechat
A1 Creativity means using information in different ways, new ideas, thinking in a new way that leads to innovation,, outside of the box, unique to each person, #engagechat
A1: Creativity is thinking of possibilities that no one else has thought of before! This can’t happen in an atmosphere of staff/students afraid to take risks!! #engagechat
A1- Creativity is having fun with what you do! Whether from the T standpoint of designing unique & fun experiences for children OR the S standpoint of being able to showcase learning in a way that truly means something to you. "Creativity is intelligence having fun!" #engagechat
Being creative requires one to look at an issue from all different angles and brainstorm a variety of ways to address this issue! The solution should best meet the learning needs of Ss! #engagechat
A1 Peg, Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist, from MKE. Creativity means giving Ss the opportunity to express themselves in a risk-free environment where mistakes are seen as growth #engagechat
A1: Creativity means taking risks to ignite change - finding a creative way to get the things done that we haven't been able to do in decades #engagechat
A1 Creativity means letting your mind roam free to see what pops up. It's like stream of consciousness on steroids -- but without the drug assist. #EngageChat
A1 #engagechat Creativity to me is taking the ordinary and making something different & unique. It requires patience and optimism but with a little confidence & concentration - both harmony & melody, color & light forge a perspective personal & rewarding
A1) A creative person can take the mind beyond the traditional or obvious to identify new ideas, patterns, relationships, or things to create ideas, methods, interpretations, or combinations that have never previously been associated with each other #engagechat
A1) creativity: the ability to bring together knowledge and skills from multiple areas resulting in something original, unique and inspiring. #engagechat
A1 Creativity to me means to be your “true self” all of the time! We are all unique individuals & should be proud of who we are & what we have to offer! #engagechat
Standards and testing! There's so much to cover and not enough time! We are checked in on to make sure we're covering what everyone is supposed to cover. :( #EngageChat
A2: Punishing failure. Easiest way to make sure I won’t try anything creative again would be to knit pick and punish me if things don’t go perfect. Thankful my admin encourages risk-taking! #EngageChat@ERobbPrincipal@KGT_Educator@LRobbTeacher
A1 Creativity to me means to be your “true self” all of the time! We are all unique individuals & should be proud of who we are & what we have to offer! #engagechat
A2: Micromanaging, secrets, and lack of trust...nothing can progress without trust, open conversation & space to be reflective without judgement. #engagechat
A2) Sustained leaders should never do anything to stifle creativity. Non-leaders in leadership positions will occasionally become authoritarian and force a "that's the way we've always done it" mentality. #engagechat
A2: Every time we're all told that we need to do the same thing in our classrooms because it's 'effective'. Especially when it's presented sit & get style. #engagechat
#engagechat. Hi Leonie from New Zealand here. Sat 2.15pm Summer (30 C or 86F). Creativity is original or imaginative ideas but its not up to us to judge what value they are IMO as it can be an individ thing.Some Ss are shy to express their creativity- praise & encouragement impt
Q1: Creativity is answering, expressing, or creating it your way- often outside the norm. We all have answers. We all can express ourselves but when people do it through a vehicle that is outside the norm- creativity is born. #engagechat
A2. The majority of traditional ones. Taking a risk as an educator is scary, especially when you instructional leader is also your evaluator. #KnowYourRole#engagechat
A2 Authoritarian leaders are anti-creativity. For them, there is only one way: Worship the status quo, teach to the test, and punish those who waiver from dictated plans. #EngageChat
#engagechat Rigidity and conformity cause suffocation of risk-taking. When we feel the lid is tight we often give up on removing it. A box 📦 raised by a closed mind traps within it a free spirit and ultimately innovation and progress
A2: Micromanaging, secrets, and lack of trust...nothing can progress without trust, open conversation & space to be reflective without judgement. #engagechat
A2: Making everything about them, not having their Ts back, belittling a T in the presence of Ss or other Ts, micro-manager, squashing Ts innovations, not building on the talents of the Ts, I could go on if I had time....#engagechat
A2. Many of the current leaders came up through the ranks of a leadership style that only had followers and followers were considered a good thing - one more decade and most will be gone. #engagechat
A2: Micromanagement, lack of shared leadership and lack of trust stifles creativity. Need to give the Green Light as often as you can @_AndyJacks#engagechat
#engagechat Rigidity and conformity cause suffocation of risk-taking. When we feel the lid is tight we often give up on removing it. A box 📦 raised by a closed mind traps within it a free spirit and ultimately innovation and progress
A2- Grateful to be in a county that promotes #creativity and #innovation! Out of the box ideas are encouraged and supported at all levels, principals to admin. But when leaders focus on numbers, not children creativity is often removed from the classroom experience. #engagechat
A2: Micromanagement, lack of shared leadership and lack of trust stifles creativity. Need to give the Green Light as often as you can @_AndyJacks#engagechat
A1) always coming at school goals from a deficit based mindset. This is where we are weak---> focus solely on that. Remember to celebrate and instruct from strengths, they are strengths for a reason. #engagechat
A2. Think about this one for a minute ... most of the people you work with each day ... are they creators or critics? If they could change, would they? #engagechat
A2: A stifling leader is one that already knows the answer to the question they are about to ask. Hi everyone! Ann, counselor from TX joining late #engagechat
How do these people ever find their way into leadership positions - filling a position when there are far more qualified leaders available to....well, LEAD! #engagechat
A2 #engagechat When creativity meets a supportive leadership style- minds are left unhindered. When our minds are open to possibilities and eager to to escape the confines of conventional thinking- change is inevitable and growth is exponential
I think many of us are quoting a lack of choice and creativity with no voice. I'm sure it has to do with a need for control or a lack of a shared vision! #engagechat
A2 not being open to new ideas of others, pushing only one way, everything is the same with no room for innovation, or student voice and choice, #EngageChat
A2) always directing school goals from a deficit based mindset. This is where we are weak---> focus solely on that. Remember celebrate and instruct from strengths as well, they are strengths for a reason. #engagechat
Justine from a sweltering Auckland, New Zealand. Apologies for lateness. I will catch up. Studying full-time for PhD in gifted ed. Passionate teacher and learner. #engagechat
A2. A closed minded- leader who is used to doing everything the same way things have always been done and doesn't like change or using others' brainstorming ideas! #engagechat
A1: Hi all, I’m an 8-9th grade math teacher joining a little late! Sorry!Creativity transforms my teaching practices which ultimately enhances their learning! #engagechat
A2: How about leaders unwilling to cultivate a culture that has the Ts who think outside the box and want to be the change agents for students.#engagechat
A2 #engagechat When creativity meets a supportive leadership style- minds are left unhindered. When our minds are open to possibilities and eager to escape the confines of conventional thinking- change is inevitable and growth is exponential
A3 The best way to encourage creativity among staff is to stop telling people what to do and instead let others know your expectations and let them show you the results! #engagechat
A3: as an adjunct, in the welcome communications it’s important to clearly state the culture of your classroom including what’s encouraged such as questioning and debate #engagechat
A3: Don't get in the way. Limitations hamper creativity. Take risks with staff and students. #engagechat Brent from Magrath. Late but was playing a board game with my wife :)
A3: I think the best way to encourage teachers to be creative is for a leader to set the example by being creative - that will start a culture of creativity at a school. #engagechat
A3: Sharing and celebrating risk! For my Ss, it helped greatly learning about #growthmindset I'm sure it would help with Ts too! Also, supporting Ts exploration and continued learning! #engagechat
A3) Encourage the constant asking of quality questions, and learn to ask questions from a view no one has chosen before. Great questions lead to great insights. #engagechat
A3: Time, time, and more time.
Give them TIME to observe other classrooms, TIME to collaborate with others (in & out of the building), and TIME to reflect with others. #engagechat
A1 and A2: Leah from Ohio just jumping in. A lack of flexibility and open-mindedness to what's different is stifling. Wishing for more future thinking. #engagechat
A3 To encourage creativity, give broad guidelines, and then step back. Let their imaginations fill in the blanks and create new questions to kick around. #EngageChat
A3: Don't get in the way. Limitations hamper creativity. Take risks with staff and students. #engagechat Brent from Magrath. Late but was playing a board game with my wife :)
#engagechat 3 Words: Listen, support, promote. Be their cheerleader. Encourage spontaneity and eccentricity and welcome unique ideas and provide what is necessary to bring it to fruition
A3: Listen , trust them and say yes ( give Green Light) as often as you can. Step aside for a moment and let your staff lead from where they are (let them run with it) #EngageChat
A3. Allowing for Ss voice and choice in classroom and giving opportunities for Ss to lead in discussions and activities. For Teachers having a brainstorming session of ideas to share at meetings and giving them opp. to lead and teach PD trainings, etc. #engagechat
#engagechat A3. By allowing freedom& encouragement& praise. Ss Ts will always try new things if given the opportunity/allowed to & if recognized, praised celebrated will continue to do so. Where would the world be without all the inventions created with imagination/Creativeness?
#engagechat 3 Words: Listen, support, promote. Be their cheerleader. Encourage spontaneity and eccentricity and welcome unique ideas and provide what is necessary to bring it to fruition
A3: Best way to encourage creativity is by building a school culture of asset-based mindedness
A school culture that embraces uniqueness and ideas 💡 🌟#engagechat
A3: Sharing and celebrating risk! For my Ss, it helped greatly learning about #growthmindset I'm sure it would help with Ts too! Also, supporting Ts exploration and continued learning! #engagechat
A3- Facilitate opportunities for unique experiences and collab, listen to the kids-they are so incredibly different every year! Be willing to adapt to different needs. Celebrate risk taking...and Ts must model this for Ss to think it is okay! #engagechat
A3: Celebrate creative contributions by presenting opportunities for collaboration & sharing. This practice creates a domino effect where ideas spread, build, and grow into a culture of innovation. #engagechat
A3 ~ Creating an environment in which S organizations, such as S Gov’t & class advisors, have the ability to make decisions & foster real change! Providing Ts with the resources to provide instruction that may be considered “out of the box.” Pilot exciting programs! #engagechat
A3 #engagechat I know for me- having someone truly, intentionally listen to my ideas and help me flush them out by asking thoughtful, provoking questions- is key. When I say them out loud and get feedback- that’s when I am most likely going to take the leap forward.
A3: Celebrate creative contributions by presenting opportunities for collaboration & sharing. This practice creates a domino effect where ideas spread, build, and grow into a culture of innovation. #engagechat
A3: I think the best way to encourage teachers to be creative is for a leader to set the example by being creative - that will start a culture of creativity at a school. #engagechat
A3: What if it was a whole school 'engagement' week? Throughout the week Ts teach their creative/risk taking lesson & use Pineapple charts where other Ts observe at least one. Then Reflections. #engagechat
Love this. I think ‘time’ is the key to creativity. Everything is so rushed. Time to explore and be creative is so important. For students and teachers. #engagechat
A3) have and spread your vision. Let others do their work make sure they have the resources to do it. Instead of sharpening the axes make sure you are chopping the right Tree. #engagechat
Love this. I think ‘time’ is the key to creativity. Everything is so rushed. Time to explore and be creative is so important. For students and teachers. #engagechat
A3 #engagechat Like the slow, quiet beginning of a beautiful orchestral piece, a thought becomes a plan- then each ensemble merges into a crescendo of high and lows, flutes & violins- bringing a confluence of woods & winds until the full philharmonic is in bloom- collaboration
A4. It can change the way a school, employees, students families see themselves in relation to the school. It is an opportunity to build brand ambassadors. #engagechat
A4: You know, I think when we build collective curiosity we create a school culture where we want to learn from and with each other. That curiosity will bring more creativity and excitement. What more can we ask for? #engagechat
A4: It will make your school and staff stand out from the other cookie cutter buildings. People will talk about what you're doing and want to emulate that. #engagechat
#engagechat A4. It will make your sch a successful place with engaged motivated creative & achieving learners. People will want to come & see as well as be there. Sets Ss up for a future starting now where they aren't restricted/held back IMO
#engagechat A4. It will make your sch a successful place with engaged motivated creative & achieving learners. People will want to come & see as well as be there. Sets Ss up for a future starting now where they aren't restricted/held back IMO
A4 Creativity ups the engagement factor. S choice and voice leads the way to greater growth in a classroom. School wide? What a movement that would be! #EngageChat
A4a-Personally speaking, my best lessons come when I have creative freedom to tie in current events/passions/interests. Creating something new that sparks interest with my Ss makes me want to push myself more...when they appreciate and enjoy, I work harder! #engagechat
#engagechat A4. It will make your sch a successful place with engaged motivated creative & achieving learners. People will want to come & see as well as be there. Sets Ss up for a future starting now where they aren't restricted/held back IMO
A4. Let's be honest, school can be pretty mundane (hopefully people in this chat and others are doing something about that). Allowing creativity can change that. Let the kids show us who they can be. #engagechat
A4: When creativity is an expected part of school culture it encourages growth. When creative Ts try new things while other Ts & Admin don't support that creativity - the culture suffers. #engagechat
A4: To me, creativity means a lot of voice and choice - It has been my experience that voice and choice lead to a positive culture in a classroom which could impact the school's culture if more or all classrooms joined in. #engagechat
A4. We talked about this yesterday during #whatisschool. Was inspirational. A chance to celebrate why we got into this crazy profession. To bring back the joy and passion of teaching and learning - for us, and our students. #EngageChat
A4: Creativity can result in beautiful things. Our students painted #Kindness Rocks in Art class and we ended up with this AmAzinG Peace Garden where we can walk our worries away. #engagechat
#engagechat Creativity of flexibility and fluidity allows for a recognition of austerity and a discovery of mindful alternatives- it helps bring a cohesiveness necessary for positive change to occur. It shines a light on shadows where hidden agendas once thrived.
A4: Encouraging Ts and ss to think out of the box can help enhance critical thinking/ problem-solving skills which are essential 21st-century skills. #engagechat
A4. If we are allowing our T to take risks using creativity in learning, our Ss will feel more comfortable to take these risks in classroom. It will allow for nore open-mindedness to ideas, developing, inventing, sharing, working together, etc. #engagechat
A4: Creativity can provide meaningful lifelong learning experiences which will help Ss prepare for their future. Creativity can also promote collaboration and risk-taking which correlate with achievement. #engagechat
A4: Creativity can result in beautiful things. Our students painted #Kindness Rocks in Art class and we ended up with this AmAzinG Peace Garden where we can walk our worries away. #engagechat
MANY amazing educators in #engagechat to follow this evening! Thanks for being here and sharing your thoughts and experiences. We are all benefiting from this.
Really well. Looking back, I would change some topics, but overall it sent a strong message: "this is important, and we're giving you the time to do it." #engagechat 3 yrs later, we got the highest score for tech integration in the state of IL #WeAreMarian
A4b- When teachers push harder & entertain the interests of their students+themselves, they tend to enjoy their jobs a bit more. You are around these kiddos 7+ hours a day...everyone should be having fun & learning. Then students grow & teachers + the school do, too! #engagechat
A4: it begins by creating opportunities for students to show their creativity then as a ripple effect a culture of creativity takes over!
@wmirvinelem’s 4th grade teachers are doing just that! Kudos!! 🌟💕✨ #engagechat
A4: Creativity can result in beautiful things. Our students painted #Kindness Rocks in Art class and we ended up with this AmAzinG Peace Garden where we can walk our worries away. #engagechat
A4. I think for staff, we all need to share vision of sharing creativity..Ive seen many times when staff has been asked to share..and nothing comes.. 🙁🙁🙁🙁
#engagechat
A3. The interfering leadership will always restrict any kind of growth. When they do not have the faith in the capabilities of the team members and they must keep a tab on everything that is happening...#engagechat
What you mentioned about preparing them for their future ... would you expand on this further? What aspect of the future do you think will most require creative thinking? What if today's youth leave our schools without this? #engagechat
A4: Creativity can provide meaningful lifelong learning experiences which will help Ss prepare for their future. Creativity can also promote collaboration and risk-taking which correlate with achievement. #engagechat
A4: Creativity bridges gaps and builds relationships between staff, grade levels, and some of our biggest stakeholders.... parents. Welcome parents! Their perspective and ideas can be priceless to building a warm environment for all #engagechat
A4) It makes school relevant. Creativity to us, often means regular life to our students, who game across the world, create content for the world and see their away from school learning content more valuable and engaging than their in school learning content. #engagechat
A4 #engagechat A community thrives when it is allowed to merge and stretch and flow- like a lava lamp- creativity the light that warms the wax and open-mindedness and motivation the ease at which with each separation of lava causes another conglomeration to appear
A4. Creativity on the other hand will lead to critical thinking and problem solving, it will help enable people to take decisions and create a healthy working environment. When people start thinking out of the box greatest ideas emerge..#engagechat
Ah!! I love @Flipgrid Omg, sharing this with some colleagues now... we did a smaller version, Ss making them during the holiday fair. But THIS is awesome!! #engagechat
A4 #engagechat A community thrives when it is allowed to merge and stretch and flow- like a lava lamp- creativity the light that warms the wax and open-mindedness and motivation the ease at which with each separation of lava causes another conglomeration to appear
We do monthly readers theaters. Do a sneak peak on @seesaw and invite parents to come watch! Students thrive with an audience and parents swell with pride being included! #EngageChat
A4: Creative minds have the power to break molds, transform visions, and connect individuals under uniting beliefs.
Creativity is the bridge between what is and what can be.
#engagechat
We have our next round of PLC's coming up in about a week. I wanted to title them "Really cool S#!t that you should know about!" but I'm pretty sure that won't be approved. #engagechat
#engagechat Coffee House night- have an open house one evening- set it up like a coffee house and just visit with parents, really listen and get to know them- they will appreciate the gesture and will love you for it.
A5. A math teacher @ChowanMiddle records math homework practice and post it on her website to help parents help their child do common core math.#engagechat
We have our next round of PLC's coming up in about a week. I wanted to title them "Really cool S#!t that you should know about!" but I'm pretty sure that won't be approved. #engagechat
A4: Fostering a culture of creativity within our schools promotes innovation, problem solving and hope instead of perpetuating limits and hopelessness. And, it teaches our kids that when we say “the sky’s they limit” we really mean it! #EngageChat#GottaWalktheWalk
A4c - When you have happy, satisfied, engaged teachers/students who are able to share passions/take risks and find meaningful success...you have a school with positive vibes. #engagechat
A Rube Goldberg building day allowing Ss to build their own machines and then a museum the next day allowing parents, family, and community to visit and watch. #engagechat#4th
A5: When I get my class list at the beginning of the year, I call every family, introduce myself as their child's teacher, invite them to Back-to-School Night and ask them to tell me about their child. Starts the year off on a positive note! #engagechat
Started a Dad's/favorite guy in your life night. Amazing to see dads, uncles, grandpas, and older siblings playing dodgeball in dress clothes. All time favorite parent night. #engagechat
A5 Had my former ELLs leave messages of encouragement to the new students. They also shared how they are now using English in their current jobs using @Flipgrid. Keeping the family connection. #EngageChat
A5. After school program created oral histories of Native American parents and grandparents - stories of their lives that were disappearing over time/ saved on DVDs - #engagechat
Love this idea! We really need to build more of a consistent relationship with our parents - not just back-to-school night, open house, & conferences. Need a relaxed atmosphere too. #engagechat
A5: I love the idea of the nightstand journal that travels between a child and a parent, for reflections and questions and communication and connection. Child writes, leaves it on dad's night table, then dad writes and leaves it for child. SO powerful! #engagechat
A5. A math teacher @ChowanMiddle records math homework practice and post it on her website to help parents help their child do common core math.#engagechat
A5: At the beginning of the year, I send parents and email asking them to share five unique facts about their child. I then read these aloud to the class, and we try to guess who it is. Way popular w/ Ps and Ss! Find more ideas like this at https://t.co/q4IAEHq9Eh#engagechat
A5 #engagechat Have then chaperone field trips- this week I really got to know 12 parents by just having the opportunity to talk to them in a relaxed and fun setting. Having positive & trusting relationships with parents makes all the difference.
A5. One of the best ideas this year is our Morning Meeting every day..Bringing school community together..It was new in September and it Works #engagechat
A5. One of the best ideas this year is our Morning Meeting every day..Bringing school community together..It was new in September and it Works #engagechat
A5: @HortonsCreekES@HCES_3rd we have hosted celebration of learning- Ss lead and showcase their learning. Our 2nd celebration is coming up soon!
#engagechat
In reply to
@EngageChat, @HortonsCreekES, @HCES_3rd
A5 #engagechat Have parents chaperone field trips- this week I really got to know 12 parents by just having the opportunity to talk to them in a relaxed and fun setting. Having positive & trusting relationships with parents makes all the difference.
A5. Kindergarten teacher took her dog with her to all home visits before school year began and met with families in front yard - building relationships that lasted a lifetime. #engagechat
A5) Host a parent tech night where the students mentor the parents in the use of various social media platforms and other tech. Reverse mentoring. Include grandparents and local homes for older folks. #engagechat
A5: A parent brought the idea of starting a girl group for a class that had very few girls. She created a brilliant curriculum. It grew to involve the local Dojo Master leading a similar boy group. Closing ceremonies, fancy teas, running club. Creativity expands! #engagechat
A5a- We have students lead parent/teacher conferences - allows them to see parent/teacher connection and know we are on the same page...as well as take ownership of their learning. #engagechat
Sidenote - @daviswelcome I am still working toward my goals each day. I LOVE all of the walking I am doing and trying to improve. Thank you for the motivation!! #engagechat
A5b-Twitter/@instagram & other forms of social media allow parents to see what is happening in realtime. Ask parents to use images from the day as conversation starter instead of asking, "What did you do today?" Kids can't say "nothing" if parents see something cool! #engagechat
