Last week I reviewed Child of Wonder, by Ginger Carlson. Today Ms. Carlson joins us for a few questions on creativity and nurturing wonder in children.
LG? Where did your interest in nurturing creativity and curiosity begin?
GC: I think I have always had an innate interest in creativity because I
was reared in a family where an importance was placed on being
creative and my own natural curiosities were always nurtured. Then,
it was sort of reborn during the time I spent teaching in an urban
school in Los Angeles in the early 1990’s. I was hyper aware of my
students’ need to develop their critical thinking skills and have
opportunity to positively express themselves. I eventually went on to
teach in International and Embassy schools throughout Asia and the
Indian Subcontinent, and saw the same universal need for learning to
think and wonder and love learning! Ultimately, having a child of my
own was the catalyst for putting all the ideas down on paper, and into
the form you see now as Child of Wonder.
LG: Why is creativity important?
GC: Creativity and natural curiosity are the ability to want to learn, to
want to express oneself, to be able to solve problems, and even
ultimately to change culture. That said, it is also something that is
often “lost” between childhood and adulthood, and many adults find
themselves in a place where they are trying to recover their creative
sides. The trick is to help children enjoy learning, hold onto that
sense of wonder, and develop a critical eye towards the world. When
they can do that they become the Leonard di Vincis, the Einsteins, and
the Marie Curies of the world.
LG: Can you share a favorite activity/section from your book?
GC: Sure. I think one of my most favorite sections in the book is the
chapter called “Give Me Space” which is about creating special places
and spots that allow for creativity to emerge by giving children time
and space for quiet moments, contemplation, rest, relaxation, and
imaginative play. From finding simple spaces under tables or made of
pillows and scarves atop beds to more elaborate projects like lofts
and treehouses, there are a variety of activities and ideas for
nurturing creativity through special quiet spaces. I am also partial
to the chapter about messes because I feel strongly about the need for
constructive messes in order for creativity to bubble to the surface.
In that chapter, there are many recipes and ideas for accepting,
creating, containing, and even cleaning up messes.
Join us tomorrow for the second part of the interview!
Also See:
Author Interview – Linda Paulson Adams: Thoughts on Creativity
Everyday Matters – Danny Gregory
The Crafty Chica’s Art de la Soul – Kathy Cano Murillo