Nurturing Creativity

Rebecca Isbell is Professor Emerita of Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University. Previously, she was Director of a Lab School, teacher of music, worked with children from toddlers to third grade, and also was a teacher of gifted and talented children. She is the author of 12 books, numerous articles, a national and international presenter on topics related to young children, creative thinking, and the creative arts. Sonia Akiko Yoshizawa is a Doctoral Fellow in the Early Childhood Education program at East Tennessee State University. Formerly she was a Research Associate, STEM Teacher Trainer, Instructor at the University of Northern Iowa, Director of the U.S. Embassy - Tokyo EWA Children's Garden School, Music Teacher, and Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher at International Schools. She has written articles and presented nationally and internationally on inquiry-based physical science curricula and music composition and improvisation with young children.

• IntroductionChapter 1: What Is Creative Thinking and Why DoChapter 2: Understanding the Creative ProcessChapter 3: The Environment: A Look Inside ClassroomsChapter 4: Characteristics of Creative Children and AdultsChapter 5: What Is the Teacher’s Role?Chapter 6: The Role of Play in CreativityChapter 7: Extending Thinking With MaterialsChapter 8: Displaying and Documenting Children’s WorkChapter 9: Expanding the Community of SupportEpilogueReferencesAbout the AuthorsAcknowledgments

"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