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Creativity:
Creativity to me means to allow one's inner self to be expressed outwards in a variety of ways. Creativity allows you to understand not only yourself but the world around you as well. Being creative in anything allows for a deeper connection between the audience and the artist. Giving people a deeper insight can be as scary as it is freeing but it isn't limited to artistic expression. Creativity allows for a world of endless possibilities. Being unafraid to think and be outside of the box could be inspiring to the person you least expect and can help others find their voice. I found creative expression in my time in classes like music or art where I was given the freedom to show a different side of myself. Having the opportunity to be a part of new experiences like steel pans or art showed me there were feelings and joy in creating and sharing and seeing others love what you love. This is an atmosphere I would like to have for my students to experience the creative outlet that art can create. I am a fan of autonomy when it comes to art as much as I love guided projects seeing what children were able to create and the significance it holds to them telling a story or their interests. Art and music have created great connections with students in my time helping around the school and in becoming a teacher I want to ensure there is a safe space in terms of creating and sharing art. Creativity can lead students to something they enjoy and can find a way to make it into a way of living as they get older.
I enjoy this video because it emphasizes the benefits of creative curriculum not just for the students but for teachers as well as their students are motivated in finding expression creatively.
Critical Thinking:
Critical thinking is important for kids to be able to analyze situations whether in or out of school and to solve problems. As students are taught critical thinking they become more independent allowing for them to come to their own decisions. I want to encourage students to have a voice in my classroom and be able to have choices in certain things so that students aren't boxed in. Being able to think critically also allows for students to be able to recognize cause and effect leading to the consideration of if their actions will benefit or harm them. I want my students to be able to ask questions and be able to decide between what is fact and what is opinion and to do that students must be involved in activities that promote critical thinking.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is a big part of school and requires students to connect to teachers and their peers. I think collaboration can never be a bad thing as it gives room for many people to have a voice, find a different answer or viewpoint, and motivate and inspire others. Collaboration also prepares students for life outside of school where many might not share the same opinions and the value it has to offer new ideas to others in exchange. Educators need to encourage collaboration as it fosters the voice students will need to share how they feel.
This paper helped better my understanding of the UDL guidelines and how they can help teachers find ways to incorporate activities that allow collaboration and creativity. The UDL guidelines can also help teachers increase engagement and inquiry in the classroom.
This video is showing that starting young these children are beginning to understand collaboration and how to share space. The video demonstrates how collaboration boosts self suffieciency as well as collaboration as students are allowed to have someone to work with and correct their actions with.
In working with kindergarten I have seen how important collaboration can be in motivating students. Even with the students who may not want to do their work or may be uncertain about their ability to complete it, I would see students actively and happily working in pairs or groups to get results. Increasing the amount of collaboration with young gives students the comfort to continue sharing their voice with their peers as they go to the next step in education. This is vital as we teach and raise the next generation of voters, creators, and protestors to find power in listening and speaking.
Communication
In a time where everything is online being typed and usually has no expiration it is important to encourage and educate students on ways to voice their feelings and opinions on things in ways that are expressive but not irrational. Communication skills should also be valued in schools because it shows students how to command attention in times where they must speak publicly and keep engagement. Communication skills are required when interviewing as well and could determine whether one gets the job. As students develop communication skills they are able to convey a message to their intended audience without confusion and can have a lasting impression on whoever is listening.
I enjoy this short clip from the movie Inside Out which is a great movie for anyone that depicts emotions and gives insight to specific moments of strong emotions and how they are handled. In this clip there are two kinds of communicators one shows little effort to communicate versus the other who is more empathetic and not only listens but can communicate back in an effective manner leaving an impression. Emotions and how we communicate and manage them are a big part of elementary-level development and while it may not be perfected then and there, it is our job as teachers to help students understand their emotions and ways to go about them.
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