DESIGN A DOT
Chances are, your CGS student may have come home talking about “International Dot Day” last week. Or, if you’re still having trouble getting them to tell you about their day…we’re here to help! (Thank you Marie for your latest Principal’s Message!)
Inspired by “The Dot”, a treasured children’s book by author, Peter H. Reynolds, our CGS students are reminded that through their creativity they can use their talents, knowledge and energy to move the world to a better place.
Our CGS students in JK and Grades 2 and 3 honoured International Dot Day as a way of celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration. Dot Day is celebrated all over the world, (and by all ages!), to demonstrate that there is beauty, power, and great potential in creativity.
WHAT IS CREATIVITY?
“Although creativity is often defined in terms of new and useful products, I believe it makes more sense to define it in terms of processes. Specifically, creativity involves cognitive processes that transform one’s understanding of, or relationship to, the world.”
~ Liane Gabora, Professor of Psychology and Creative Studies at the University of British Columbia.
Everyday at CGS, we strive for balance as we emphasize the importance of reading, maths, science, and language with visual art, music, drama, physical education and fitness. Exploring potential creative abilities in combination with inherent learning capabilities is an increasingly important practice for our young children to adopt. Through a growth mindset, (dedication and hard work), and one where we explore and learn about the world around us, we grow academically and creatively, but most importantly as a contributing member of a future society.
WHY IS CREATIVITY IMPORTANT?
It is an essential skill for this young generation of 21st century learners at CGS. Creativity drives us to not only create, but to innovate, and that’s an essential skill in our ever-evolving and often-automated world. Research has shown that creativity isn’t just great to have, it is, “perhaps even an evolutionary imperative in our technology-driven world”. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), “Creativity Lights Up the Brain.”
When students are focused on a creative goal, they become more absorbed in their learning and more driven to acquire the skills they need to accomplish it.
“Teachers who frequently assign classwork involving creativity are more likely to observe higher-order cognitive skills — problem solving, critical thinking, making connections between subjects — in their students.”
““The pace of cultural change is accelerating more quickly than ever before. In some biological systems, when the environment is changing quickly, the mutation rate goes up. Similarly, in times of change we need to bump up creativity levels — to generate the innovative ideas that will keep us afloat.” ~ L. Gabora
Learning happens as a process, not a singular event. The same holds true with creativity.
The story of “TheDot” is such a simple and beautiful expression of what we call a growth mindset – the belief that a person’s abilities can improve through effort, learning and persistence.
Dot Day is……“A celebration of bravery – of vision – seeing the possible – seeing the solution before it even exists.”
Dot Day is……“A reminder to think of each day as a NEW day – a blank page…a chance to make it the best day yet.”
Dot Day is……“A celebration of great teaching and inspired learning.”
Dot Day is……“A celebration of impact – a time to think of how we can all make our mark.”
Explorations in art and creativity are so much more than “down time” or play time.
Next time you view your child’s art, instead of saying, “How pretty! That’s so good!” try instead, “How did you do that? Tell me about your artwork…” You may find the answers pretty compelling and insightful.