Creativity in the classroom (in 5 minutes or less!) | Catherine Thimmesh | TEDxUniversityofStThomas

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Catherine Thimmesh discusses why creativity is an essential tool for today’s students, and how teachers can easily encourage and foster the development of creative thinking skills. Along the way, she dispels some commonly held myths about what creativity is or is not, suggests some concrete prompts that can be used quickly in any classroom, and bemoans the fact that she still doesn’t have a jet pack!

Catherine Thimmesh is an award-winning children's book author, currently focusing on creative nonfiction. (Her books include the Sibert medal-winning book "TEAM MOON: How 400,000 people landed Apollo 11 on the Moon"; and most recently, "SCALY SPOTTED FEATHERED FRILLED: How do we know what dinosaurs really looked like?") Catherine will address the topic of Creativity in the Classroom. Shell provide concrete suggestions for fostering creativity that can be used in any classroom and that take five minutes or less to implement, require no prep or monetary resources, and can be put into action immediately.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[sarahsb]

creativity is essential part of teaching and motivation is the heart of learning

[thenewzealandinator]

Interesting talk, I found the speaker to be very captivating and energetic!

Seems like we have to make sure “the box” is defined in order to think outside it.

How would one implement these strategies in an adults life? My boss frowns upon me turning her desk upside down and using it as a boat. ;)

[miguelrangel]

I don't know Rick, I agree with the fact that creativity is being killed by education system, but a bunch of kids doing what they please could easily boost their undisciplined behavior. Hard study doesn't need to be extinguished, hard-work will always pay off.

[Zenfix]

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou

[bhaveshthoria]

Completely agree with thoughts on out side the box theory that instead of ask to think out side the box it is better to ask questions. Also agree that creativity need not be complex it can be as simple as holding water in hand.

[merlindabubu]

thank you Catherine! i am doing a project about creativity in education this video helped giving me ideas! I am definitely going to use your techniques!
And don't listen to these people. I loved your theatricality for real!

[annajanning]

So cool to see you up there doing your thing! I LOVE your ideas about creativity- especially asking questions like “what else could this be?” Or “what could this be turned into?” instead of telling kids to “think outside the box”. Thank you for providing concrete ways for kids to do this! And ideas for teachers to incorporate into the classroom (under five minutes)😜

[Ryan-mech-muffin]

Imagine trying to enforce discipline in a classroom where all your students are under their desks. Not helpful.

[heenaattar]

All we can do is as teachers.. just encourage them to go beyond their comfort zone. . push them to think differently creative.. And to do all these things. . OPPORTUNITIES must be given to the students. .and more activities must be taken. and the children should be taught with Constructivism.

[polina_hovlina]

The speaker just energizes! It is interesting to talk about gender analysis, because this practice is not accepted by all modern teachers. In general, the idea of small activities in the learning process is great! The game involves students in the process without strict discipline, and even more so without any penalties. This is a good idea.

[debbie]

Interesting rhetoric. I encountered this video while trying to fairly assess students' projects for creativity.

[danthegreat]

*This Is The Reason Why I Lost Interest In School*

[lj]

It's funny how people are so unaware of how they come off. I know she doesn't have the intention of being belittling, unhelpful and patronizing but damn, she ACED that.

[bushrauniverse]

why everyone gives lecture. not doing practical

[zareefmunawwaruzman]

I watched your vdo and listened to you very kfly. Awesome 👍

[tanvinahar]

Thank u ma' am, it was really very much helpful and useful

[dawni.ferris]

Seriously?!  "Students could choose to sit under the desk... on top of the desk... hang upside down from the chair..."  Have you ever been in a real classroom?  You're talking about chaos!  Why do student need to sit in a chair all day?  Well, first of all, it's not "all day."  They can surely sit for forty-five minutes at a time, though.  Even at that, students don't necessarily sit for a whole class.  A good teacher incorporates movement into even a short class.  Secondly, sitting still for a while is sometimes required.  Don't students sit still at home when they watch a movie or a favorite TV show?  I know students who claim that they can play a favorite video game for hours on end.  I'm not in favor of that extreme, either, but it does prove that students can do it.  Thirdly, students had better learn to sit still when needed if they're going to have a shot at a decent job some day.  I don't know any job that doesn't entail at least a small amount of data entry, meeting attendance, paperwork, phone calling, or reading for information.  I'M FED UP WITH THIS ULTRA-LIBERAL PHILOSOPHY that we cater to the comfort and happiness of every little Johnnie and Susie.  I'm not promoting the use of draconian measures, but if we're going to provide education to a general education classroom full of twenty-five or more students, especially given the mediocre budgets and poor support from community, I say we've got to start with the basics of behavior and effort.  Creativity can be fostered through specials classes, extra-curricular opportunities, and (here it comes... the finger is about to point!)... PARENTS DOING THEIR JOB OF PROVIDING CREATIVE MOMENTS!!  Instead of pushing an electronic device into their kids' hands, how about a trip to the beach to collect sea shells or make sand castles?  Try out the recipes for various bubble-blowing solutions in your back yard.  Make a home made play-dough.  Paint with food on flattened paper grocery bags.  Look at soil with a magnifying glass.  HEY PARENTS!!  YOU are on the front line of developing your child's imagination!  Let's quit making this issue abut the schools and their failures.  SCHOOLS ARE FAILING BECAUSE THE STUDENTS THAT ARE SENT THERE DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED.  AND MOST AGENCIES - FROM FEDERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS ON DOWN TO SCHOOL BOARDS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS - DON'T PROVIDE WHAT, REALISTICALLY, IS NEEDED FOR SUCCESS.  So some day, when individual schools are smaller (buildings that house under 500 students each), and more parent involvement is offered, and all school districts get funding to provide the materials truly needed to support excellent teaching/learning, and kids come to school and AREN'T ALLOWED TO HAVE THEIR RIDICULOUS CELL PHONES TURNED ON ALL DAY LONG IN THEIR POCKETS FOR EASY ACCESS... then you can talk to me about slipping in those "moments of creativity."  Although, if we get to those conditions some day, we won't need to slip them in.

[uj]

She has something to say about creativity but nothing special about it or worth a lesson well learnt.

[Matthew]

The narrative of this content is filled with motivational elements. A book with related themes had a deep and lasting impact. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[TimersBox]

Unlocking Classroom Creativity in Just 5 Minutes! 🎨📚 Explore Catherine Thimmesh's enlightening TEDx talk at University of St. Thomas. Discover the power of fostering creativity in education and how small efforts can yield big results. Are you ready to transform your classroom into a hub of innovation?