Creative Instruction

Creativity is a mindset which is integral to learner success. Creative skills such as curiosity, and the ability to envision new possibilities are all important skills that will support students in their future success as well as encourage passion and motivation in student's learning. In this course, participants will explore the connection between creative skills and positive learning outcomes. Strategies for nurturing creative expression and the practice of creative thinking skills will be examined and a plan for incorporating these strategies developed.

In order to help students become thriving, contributing members of society, teachers need to address their students’ executive functioning needs. Executive functions are transferable skills such as organization, time management, emotional control, and metacognition that have a significant impact on learner success. In this course, participants will investigate the importance of executive function and its impact on student learning and success and how the practice of executive functioning skills can be incorporated into the classroom. Using this knowledge, participants will design and implement strategies to create a climate of executive functioning practice into their classroom.

Community is an important part of any classroom. When teachers intentionally build relationships with students and encourage them to support one another, students are more likely to take learning risks and express their creativity. In order to encourage creativity and support creative minds, students must feel safe in the classroom community. In this course, participants will understand what creativity is and the connection between a positive collaborative classroom community and a classroom where creative thinking thrives. Participants will then plan for how to build and nurture a creative climate in their classrooms.