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Inspiring and supporting innovative thinking
Young children have great capacity for creativity that thrives when it is nurtured. Early childhood teachers have the opportunity to inspire children’s innovative thinking and doing by:
- Including creative opportunities across all domains of learning
- Designing a beautiful space that encourages children’s experimentation and play
- Extending children’s learning and challenging their thinking
- Documenting children’s thought processes and displaying their work Involving families and the community in children’s creative endeavors
- Reflecting on your beliefs and practices about creativity and nurturing your own creativity
"This valuable book makes the case that many schools today may be reducing or eliminating the conditions that foster innovation. Drawing inspiration from many theories and exemplars, the authors clearly and vividly describe creativity and originality in the early years and how to cultivate this distinctive way of thinking, knowing, and making choices." —Carolyn Pope Edwards, Cather Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
"Let’s continue to foster children’s creativity! This book offers concrete ideas for challenging children’s thinking and encouraging them to take risks. The authors lay an important foundation for nurturing future generations of innovative thinkers." —Noelle Woytko, Lead Preschool Teacher, Children’s Village, Philadelphia
"Through a delightful combination of practical insight, evidence-centered examples, and a firm basis in learning research and theory, the authors of Nurturing Creativity show a deep respect for young children, as well as for educators as active and thoughtful designers of young children’s learning environments and experiences." —Lisa Brahms, Director of Learning & Research, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
"Journey into the realm of creativity, where children and teachers try new ideas and grow into creative, critical thinkers who are free to make mistakes and encouraged to learn from them. Guiding questions help readers see possibilities that will spark children’s curiosity and invite exploration. Specific tips, such as a list of phrases that support creative thinking, guide readers in nurturing creativity." —Peggy Ashbrook, Early Childhood Science Educator and Author of Science Learning in the Early Years: Activities for PreK–2
"Teachers will love the practical tips on how to nurture creative confidence and foster joyful learning!" —Jennifer Cooper, Director, Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
Rebecca Isbell is an early childhood consultant and professor emerita of early childhood education at East Tennessee State University. She has authored numerous books and articles and presents on topics related to young children, creative thinking, storytelling, and the creative arts.
Sonia Akiko Yoshizawa is a PhD fellow in early childhood education at East Tennessee State University. A coauthor of STEM Learning with Young Children: Inquiry Teaching with Ramps and Pathways, she conducts inquiry-based STEM trainings and presentations for teachers.