Skills are good but give them time to develop Creativity

So what is creativity?

Many will argue about semantics and definitions. I will not enter that fray. Whatever it is, creativity revolves around unique, independent, and original thinking. It sometimes leads to an activity, such as playing the violin or implementing a new program to end homelessness. But without creative thought, the activity simply cannot be creative. In the end, only you can say whether you have been creative — only you can know whether your thoughts are unique, independent, original. So when was the last time you were creative? The answer for many Americans’ children is “never.” — Michael Bitz, Creativity in Crisis: The “Brain Drain” in American Schools

Red Rover, Red Rover!

I just can't say it enough how important outdoor play and movement is for children. And adults.

Math Snippets

Yoga Snippets

If you want to kill creativity, then simply restrict employees’ freedom in how they reach their goals. Two common methods are by changing the goals too frequently or by implicitly communicating to your staff that new methods are not welcome. Employees will soon get the message and stop trying. — 6 Ways to Kill Creativity

Dia de los Muertos

Pan de Muertos


Sra. Karen made Tamales using banana leaves.
Mmmmmm...


La Ofrenda


Calaveras!

[Field Trip] Owls and Other Birds

I can't say enough how fantastic the Austin Science and Nature Center is!

















This month we returned for their focus on Owls and Other Birds. ANSC is a wildlife sanctuary. Their exhibit animals were orphaned or injured impairing their ability to survive in the wild.





I don't think I've ever seen a group of young children stay so quiet for such an extended period of time. This screech owl was so beautiful. Her wing was injured and she can no longer fly, so her home is at the ASNC now.


We toured the area and were able to see many other typs of Owls and birds. ANSC is a wildlife impairing t







Then we brough in the bones we found from our previous nature (truck drive) exploration with Ms. Melanie on the schoolhouse property for trading points to check out something from their library.


Some of children thought the bones were from a horse, others thought they were from a cow. After some investigating and discussing, the conclusion was that they were indeed cow bones!











We traded the bones for 100 points and were able to check out an armadillo shell.





Patterns are found all over nature. Even inside an armadillo shell!



This is one of the many benefits of our co-op in that we have the flexibility and time to take our learning outside the 4 walls of a classroom. We look forward to returning next month!