Books · 07-25-2014

Fans of Shaun Tan books know how he challenges readers. Rules of Summer is no exception. Tan's imagination, wit, and captivating illustrations make Rules of Summer a book to revisit again and again. “Rules of Summer is a deceptively simple story about two boys, one older and one younger, and the kind of ‘rules’ that might govern any relationship between close friends or siblings. Rules that are often so strange or arbitrary, they seem impossible to understand from the outside. Yet through...

Creativity · 07-21-2014

The Columbus Museum of Art’s mission is to create great experiences with great art for everyone. To ensure great visitor experiences, staff members at this Ohio museum focused on the concept of creativity as a core value to engage audiences. As a result, “the museum has become a place people use (like a library), rather than simply a place to visit.” Question: Why creativity? According to Cindy Meyers Foley, Executive Assistant Director and Director of Learning and Experience, the case...

Activities · 07-17-2014

I'm glad you're enjoying the “problem of the day" math cards! Here are a few more. Simply cut them out to share when you have a few "math minutes." The cards are appropriate for upper elementary aged children, however the entire family may enjoy them.

Activities · 07-14-2014

Engage mathematical minds with the Guinness World Records Officially Amazing 2014 edition. This book’s “augmented reality” allows readers to virtually meet record holders. Download the free app to see 3D animations, videos, and other interactive features. (In the image below, I’m getting a little too close to the largest carnivorous dinosaur.) The book creates a spirit of inquiry and is a fun resource for developing math problems, strategies, and wacky ideas.

Music · 07-11-2014

Can’t go wrong with using the first line of a song as a writing prompt for a short story, journal entry, poem, or even another song! The following list will motivate young writers and introduce them to the Great American Songbook. As we know, art is one of the best ways to promote creativity fluency.

Activities · 07-06-2014

There are many fun ways to reinforce math skills throughout the summer. The following “problem of the day" cards will get your child’s math (and creativity) juices flowing. Simply cut them out to share when you have a few "math minutes." The cards are appropriate for upper elementary aged children, however the entire family may enjoy them! Next week, I will share more.

Museums · 07-01-2014

A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...