We all want our children to have a happy, healthy, and successful life; however, I think it is obvious that more testing and more pressure is not the answer. What could be a solution in this fast paced ever-changing world we now live in?
In our complex world, it is easy to get caught up in the “more is better” mind-set instead of remembering the power of “less.” It is also easy to forget that when we provide all of the bells and whistles on anything, we can discourage active participation, interaction, and conscious growth. In fact, this approach can encourage passivity. When we create situations that are open, flexible, and encourage creating with no right or wrong, we coax the mind to engage, take risks, interact, play, communicate, and problem-solve.
The “all-the-bells-and-whistles” experience is similar to talking with someone who monopolizes the conversation so much that you can feel a part of yourself disappearing. On the other hand, creating opened-ended opportunities for the mind to explore and discover is restorative and empowering.
Can you remember playing with a refrigerator box when you were young? It was a castle, a fort, a house, a restaurant, a bed, a jail, a puppet theatre, a whale, or a bridge. We created and explored—the list was endless.
Art is not just for the “gifted.” Art is a gift from the Universe that can help each of us discover and express our own unique “giftedness.” When art is approached from the “refrigerator box” perspective, we invite the child or adult to explore, discover, and find his or her own way. No matter what the material, the possibilities are infinite, and that is what expands our mind. In the process, the child or adult can rediscover him- or herself, gain a deeper meaning of life, and find a way to express feelings in an uncensored manner. In addition, creativity can strengthen cognitive and problem-solving skills and promote fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Here is an amazing video of what can be created with just a stick and a rake. Remember the possibilities are infinite!
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1499
If you would like to explore the I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB) Program, the following activities are currently available on the website for free (just click the link to access an activity).
Just Scribble, ICWIB Activity One: Version One video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wURBZHk8jc&feature=youtu.be
Just Scribble, ICWIB Activity One: Version Two video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp6fCHs5f2Q&feature=youtu.be
Just Scribble, ICWIB Activity One: Version Three video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDelU_MDNrM
ICWIB Instructional Guide: Part One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlj7NDAfAFw&feature=youtu.be
Labyrinth, ICWIB Activity Four
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt0D2I_drFM
Just Scribble ICWIB Activity One (text):
https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/icwib-just-scribble/
Labyrinth ICWIB Activity Four (text):
https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/icwib-labyrinth/
If you find the activities helpful and are interested in more, sign up for our FREE ICWIB newsletter: https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/newsletter/
For more information about the I Create What I Believe! Global Classroom: https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/global-classroom/
For more information about teacher training via skype: https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/presentations-and-trainings/