Steve Jobs was once quoted as saying, “Creativity is just connecting things.” How do we go about fostering creativity in our students? One critical way is to encourage our children to play.
In this month’s Educational Leadership magazine, the article Fostering More Vibrant Schools -- by Megan Tschannen-Moran and Davis Clement -- touches on key elements of the James River experience. The authors state it clearly: movement and play help stimulate interest and engagement and support developing minds. Evidence also supports the importance of play in overall psychological and and physical health. “Play is also increasingly recognized as a source of creativity and innovation.”
Our classroom experiences are essential in developing our young minds. Equally important, we know that play, recess, physical education, and athletics all play an equally essential role in helping our children develop creativity, a healthy body, and an active, engaged mind.