Creativity is a resource

Ken Robinson spoke at TED concerning creativity in children.  He argued that "creativity is just as important as literacy and should be treated with the same status."  I think this speech is one of the best I have ever heard given on education.  Mr. Robinson was a very funny fellow, but I not so much so that he was not taken seriously.  He made several very good points on creativity and how it is looked at in education. 

He noted that "if you are not prepared to be wrong you will never think of anything original."  I think this is a profound view and so true.  The best thinkers in human history were strange people outside of the "norm", that were not afraid to be different or wrong about their ideas.  All of these great thinkers were children at one time.  Children are unfiltered and not afraid to be wrong or different. 

Intelligence can be looked at in so many different ways.  Of course there is the standard intelligence, good grades, does well on tests and knows all of the answers in class... book smart.  But there is the creative intelligence which Robinson argues is not valued in school, and in many ways he is correct.  But schools are starting to see the value in creative intelligence. 

The state of Mississippi has 4 classifications of a gifted child.  There are Intellectually, Academically, Artistically, and Creatively gifted children according to the Mississippi Department of Education.  It is unfortunate that this program is offered to so few students in the state.  It is a wonderful program and gives children the chance to explore and develop that creative side that Robinson is talking about.  The classes are not as structures and give children he freedom to move around like Robinson said was so important. 

As a mother of two gifted children, one of whom has ADHD, I see the need for allowing children to do more than just reading and math in school.  Those subjects are important and should be taught, but drawing, painting, and acting are too and should not be pushed aside as unimportant.  As a future teacher, I want to be an advocate for encompassing more children into activities that gifted children get to experience.  Children should not have to be "gifted" to be able to explore their creative side.  All children should have that opportunity. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html