This was Mitchell's intro to the program Scratch and the theory behind its creation.
This session reminded me once again of the importance of creativity in teaching.
Kids imagine, create, play, SHARE, reflect and then repeat this. Their thoughts are spiraling outward and outward. Scratch is a program for artistic expression, sharing online, creating communities, remixing projects or working collaboratively. Students get feedback and inspiration from each other. Most exciting is the wide diversity - book reports, science experiments. Here is just a sample. Scratch supports systematic thinking by using building blocks and students communicate multiculturally through the online community.
Creating things makes you think "How do things work?" Scratch Ed was built specifically for educators where teachers can share uses, stories, resources, and discussions with other members. Scratch Day is a network of events around the world. Everyone makes scratch projects at workshops and then they share them online. They also have a Scratch Conference Aug. 11-14. Use code: SCRATCH for $75 discount. Scratch goals are to support collaboration and keep data online. Scratch helps kids become creative thinkers in a global community.
I recently read a great article about creativity in Newsweek "Forget Brainstorming" They made some excellent suggestions for educators:
1. Don't tell someone to "be creative", instead say this: “Do something only you would come up with—that none of your friends or family would think of.”
2. Get moving - 30 minutes of aerobic exercise increases all cognitive functions
3. Take a break from one project and work on another
4. Reduce (TV)screen time - (The statistics are substantial!)
5. Explore other cultures - (Does that mean travel more? YES!)
6. Follow a passion
7. Ditch the suggestion box and put ideas into practice!
