Creativity is natural in all children
Inspired by nature One of the first things our children wanted to do when we moved into our new home in BC was to build a stone man…in fact lot’s of stone men.
Being part of the creative process is so rewarding both as a parent and an author/illustrator
Materials and experiences trigger ideas…
My husband and I visited a NY school in Brooklyn as part of our storytelling art workshops, based around my first children’s book character Toffee the Highland Cow. As artists we believe in the the importance of providing children with a “hands on” creative experience. After reading one of the Toffee stories the children get to create their very own Toffee Cow clay models.
Out of all the schools and libraries we visited this one in Brooklyn remains the most moving experience we have encountered. These kids were so enthusiastic about getting creative, they were eager to express them selves through their art and creations. All the Toffee models were so individual, featuring part of their personality.( I long to get back on the road and do more art workshops-mission for 2010).
Get Creative …..Inside
Sam makes one of Santa’s reindeer out of clay
And Outside… In Summer time
Sam and David chalk the driveway
And Winter time...all seasons!
Sam gets creative in the snow
Samuel is a very creative child -unfortunately his school(not individual teachers but the curriculum) just isn’t fueling his creative needs. My husband and I are artists (and hubby was a singer/songwriter many years ago) so Samuel is one of the lucky ones, he is surrounded by music, art, drama and nature when out of school.
I do wonder how other highly creative children receive the nurturing they need when so many schools are more interested in the academics. I am all for a good academic education but there needs to be more time allocated to nurturing the creativity in a child.
Encouraging kids to be creative-My book characters:
The Little Humbugs learn from nature as they go about their business in the forest. The Butterfly Girls and Dragonfly Boys learn from counting how many eggs the chickens have laid and measuring out ingredients when baking. Growing their own fruits and vegetables and collecting seeds, they learn the names of each plant and document their findings for their enormous underground seed library.They draw and sketch the flowers and animals that they share the forest with and their creativity ‘blossoms’ – like all childrens’ should.
They entertain each other around an open fire with storytelling and musical plays in the outdoor amphitheater. The Little Humbugs live very similar to how we all used to live. I believe we need to return to that way of learning. Bringing nature and creativity back into classrooms and home life too.
I love to be a little whimsical and spontaneous……….let me be creative!
Please send your childs nature art to:info@littlehumbugs.com and it will be displayed in the Little Humbugs ART GALLERY.
Check in for guest posts on this subject -part 2 next week.
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Great post!! Those workshops must have been so much fun – the kids were lucky to have you! Plus, you know I’m a fan of anything nature inspired made of clay
Reading this also reminded me of Ken Robinson, and the importance of keeping the arts forefront in education – if you haven’t seen this video, you might enjoy it. About 20 mins long (I know..) but well worth it. – http://bit.ly/12vjRt
Keep on writing, nature friend – can’t wait for part 2!
Beautifully stated, Marghanita! In our family, silliness and dreaming are required indoors & out.
Marghanita, you are an inspiration. Thank you for writing this – you made my day brighter.