After many years of observing children struggling with school, losing their sense of self and being turned off to learning, I wondered why the educational system couldn’t see the viable and long-standing importance of nurturing the whole child. Indeed, Daniel Pink, in his book A Whole New Brain, sites that our new global economy has…
All too often in schools, art becomes one more thing to learn, do and accomplish. The real power of the creative process is lost. This is unfortunate because art, even in its simplest form—scribbling—can be a profound form of mediation that centers and clears the mind. I liken the experience to pushing the refresh button…
Research has shown that art and music enhance the learning process. Some people stop at the notation that we need to include art and music as part of school curriculum because it enables nonlinear thinkers a place to excel. This kind of thinking discounts and indicates a lack of awareness of how and why art…
In the spring of 2009, I began teaching the I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB) program to a small select group of gifted teachers who had agreed to actively use the program in the classroom in the 2009-2010 school year and track the results. Our intent was to demonstrate that when a student understands of…
A friend of mine told me this year was going to be a “10”! I agree. I am sure there will be challenging moments, but if we focus on staying balanced and remember our thoughts, perceptions and beliefs mold our life, I think we can make this year a “10”!
I am not sure if I am more interested in the creative process or personal growth because they have always been so deeply intertwined. In college I had such a profound mind-altering experience while drawing, that it permanently changed the way I view both art and life. This singular event propelled me on a journey…