Comments on: The writing way

By: Play and libraries | Not So Distant Future

Play and libraries | Not So Distant Future — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:59:52 +0000

[...] This silences their inner censors, and spontaneous interests just float to the top. (Thanks to Artist’s Way for this [...]

By: Susan Sedro

Susan Sedro — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:10:49 +0000

Many, many years ago I was in an Artist’s Way group and for many years after that I wrote morning pages. I can’t say if it made me more creative, but it was a great quality of life enhancer. I hope you find it worthwhile.

By: Scott Schwister

Scott Schwister — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:30:37 +0000

Anything that bumps us off the relentless feed-rails of information for information’s sake (collecting, absorbing, processing) and moves us into creation has my vote. Especially given what Daniel Pink and others have been so persuasively saying about the need for getting the right sides of our brains into the game. Creativity isn’t just going to happen by itself. (Or will it? Kind of a mystery…) An artist’s date seems like a great way to make some intentional space, and, as you say, model it for students. Like with everything else, it’s tough to expect it from students if we don’t value it, make time for it, and have a heart-knowledge understanding of it ourselves. And maybe carving right-brain time is more than just a treat—does it rise to the level of a need? When the oxygen mask (or paintbrush or writing tablet or camera or piano) drops from the hidden panel in the ceiling, affix your own before assisting the person next to you.

Welcome back! And thanks for the cinnamon. Clay thinks we should all go bowling together sometime. What name do you want stitched on your bowling shirt?

By: Creative renewal « Random Thoughts

Creative renewal « Random Thoughts — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:12:53 +0000

[...] 2009 by Nancy Over at Teen Literacy Tips I found a link to a blog I wasn’t familiar with, Not So Distant Future. In this particular post, the author is talking about the need for us to take time to do [...]

By: techxas

techxas — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:32:33 +0000

I am so happy to read a new blog post from you. I thought you had gone the way of Rosie O’Donnell who ended the 2008 year by saying her blog was going to go “unplugged”.

You should talk to Norman about this concept of creativity and taking the time to be creative. Last summer (before I left), the PTEP students were in a class on creativity. Their task was to learn something new and to be creative for a major assignment. I believe Norman took up the task of learning how to juggle.

The ways of staff development and professional learning aren’t as creative when in large-group formats. We know they don’t work. But to challenge oneself to learn something new – something non-classroom or work related, is a concept that can help all of us.

And it isn’t just to explore our learning and to learn how we learn. The process of creativity invites inner struggle and the recognition of progress as the skill continues. Plus, you just add another skill to your belt when you learn something different.

Great post. Please continue! I will read them!