
Creativity is just connecting things.” – Steve Jobs
When I was getting my master's degree in gifted education, I took a creativity class. This class required me to explore a creative activity that would stretch my horizons. At that time, I found joy in the simple act of capturing my baby daughter's moments through photography. Little did I know that this would lead me to the colorful and creative world of scrapbooking.
Scrapbooking became my gateway to what the late psychologist Csikszentmihalyi defined as "flow" – the "secret to happiness." It's that state of complete immersion in the present where my engagement in scrapbooking becomes intrinsically rewarding and exquisitely enjoyable. My hands traced stories through photographs, my imagination ran wild, and my creativity flowed. I was in a no-judgment zone where my confidence also soared to new heights.
As the pages of my scrapbooks filled with brightness and life, a revelation emerged: the creative rest that enveloped me while scrapbooking was the missing piece of the puzzle in my role as an educator. It spilled into my teaching, illuminating connections I had never before imagined. I embraced innovation to captivate and engage my students. As educational standards and demands shifted, I welcomed new strategies with open arms. The spark that scrapbooking had ignited also led me to champion inclusivity, weaving diverse perspectives into the fabric of my teaching.
I know that the hustle and bustle of teaching – the planning, the assessments, the classroom dynamics –can leave you feeling drained and, at times, depleted creatively. The danger of falling into the trap of monotony and routine is ever-present, resulting in less engagement and enthusiasm from both you and your students. That is exactly why "Creative Rest" should be part of your routine in and out of the classroom.
Creative rest isn't about adding more to your already jam-packed schedule. It's about carving out intentional pockets of time to let your imagination run wild, rekindle your passions, and infuse your teaching with renewed energy. Embracing creative pursuits flings open the door to unique connections in your mind, revealing pathways that stretch beyond your daily routines. These pursuits fuel the innovation that brings teaching to life.
The rewards of embracing creative rest are abundant. Here's a glimpse:
Revived Creativity: When we give ourselves permission to explore, experiment, and imagine, our creative juices start flowing once again.
Enhanced Engagement: Innovative teaching methods and activities capture students' attention and foster a deeper love for learning.
Reduced Stress: Engaging in creative endeavors offers an escape from the daily stresses, leading to improved well-being.
Personal Growth: Pursuing hobbies and interests outside of teaching enriches our lives and broadens our perspectives.
You can weave in these creative activities in your day-to-day:
Morning Muse: Begin your day with a 5-minute creative exercise. Doodle, write down gratitude, or set intentions. Watch as positivity infuses your day.
Literary Exploration: Venture beyond your teaching domain with a book. Devote a few minutes each morning to a captivating read outside your comfort zone.
Brainstorm Breaks: Utilize short breaks to brainstorm fresh teaching approaches and innovative twists on assignments.
Creative Journal: Keep a journal of teaching ideas, lesson reflections, and sparks of inspiration. Witness your thoughts evolving into creative gems.
Hobby Harmony: Reconnect with hands-on creative pursuits – gardening, photography, dancing, singing, and more. Let your mind wander as you create.
Extend the magic to your classroom and invite students to embrace creative rest with engaging activities.
Try Creative Writing Prompts, where you provide imaginative prompts for students to explore their creativity through written expression. Here are a few examples.
Lost in Time: Write a short story about a character who accidentally travels back in time to a different era. Describe their adventures and the challenges they face in this unfamiliar world.
The Magical Doorway: Imagine you discover a mysterious doorway that leads to a magical realm. Describe what you find on the other side and the incredible adventures that await you.
Unlikely Friendship: Write a story about an unexpected friendship between a human and a mythical creature (like a dragon, mermaid, or unicorn). Explore how they meet and the bond they develop.
Message in a Bottle: You find a message in a bottle washed up on the beach. What does the message say? Who wrote it, and why did they send it out to sea?
The Talking Object: Choose an everyday object (like a pen, a shoe, or a clock) and give it the ability to talk. Write a dialogue between you and this talking object.
Now it's time to implement…
Remember, integrating creative rest isn't an overhaul. It's about weaving moments of creativity into your day, whether it's experimenting with new teaching methods, exploring a hobby, or simply letting your thoughts wander. These pockets of creative rest will not only ignite joy but also enrich your teaching and nourish your spirit. So as you step into this world of endless creative possibilities, remember Einstein's wisdom: "Creativity is intelligence having fun." It's time to embrace creative rest and reignite your creative brilliance. How will you integrate creativity into your classroom and life?
This was a great reading experience on creative rest. Although I am not a teacher. I have been considering 🤔 connecting teaching into my business structure and to be honest, I used to do the scrapbooks and photo albums which would bring tranquility, memories laughter, etc. I need to utilize this guide as well in my business.
Thank you for enlightening me today to use creative rest to refocus and reform my inner self.
Thanks