The Big Picture Podcast Launch
This week, Matt Covey (Head of School) is launching a podcast series that will examine the spheres of whole-child education, one of the core parts of our vision at Denver Christian. As educators, we want our students to grow and honor God in every sphere of their lives. The first sphere that the Big Picture Podcast tackles is the creative sphere. At Denver Christian, we believe that creativity is not something just for the arts. Creativity interwoven in all that we do. We are all created to create.
In the first episode, Matt Covey examines creativity with Tami Zietse (HS English), Jayme Mansfield (Elementary Art) and Patrick Boyd (HS Stem).
How does high school creative writing stir imaginations and touch hearts?
Tami Zietse teaches creative writing to our high school students. She finds that creativity is a process of reflection and imagination. “We tell our own stories and maximize the power of words before we imagine other stories…An important element is the power of pause. We should take time to reflect, observe, and share. Listening to other people’s stories also increases our empathy and our ability to create new stories.”
How does elementary art nourish creativity?
Elementary art begins by teaching students that they are creations of God. What I (Jayme Mansfield) focus on is the theme: create for the King. This develops an ownership as students see how God. We encourage students to be bold and adventurous. When creating, we dispel negative talk to ourselves or others. Mistakes are welcome.
How does creativity play a role in STEM?
In high school, Patrick Boyd added an exciting class called Product Design. This class focuses on creatively solving problems and needs in the world around us. Looking at what other people are dealing with and empathizing with them helps us creatively solve problems. For example, we can creatively wonder how we might solve water shortages in sub-Saharan Africa. When encouraged to wonder, students envision creative solutions to problems around the world.
What role does creativity play in calling and career?
Unfortunately, many treat creativity as an unpragmatic bonus. However, leading thinkers and businessmen see the opposite. There is a demand in the workforce for creative, empathetic thinkers. STEM teacher Patrick Boyd explains that this is because we have to take existing information and processes and continue to develop and apply them to different areas in 21st century.
“I think creative people are able to see things from different perspectives…but I also think creative people are part of a collaborative process often and are able to give and accept feedback and use that to make improvements.”
Tami Zietse
Where do our teachers see Denver Christian in five years?
We strive to be ever-improving as a school. Our teachers envision how our school will continue to grow in creativity. Jayme Mansfield can see our school growing by helping students pursue their unique goals with independent studies. Additionally, we want to challenge students to step outside of their comfort zone. Tami Zietse sees our students’ not only being challenged in more areas, but through bigger projects: playwriting into productions, music into performances, etc!
What can parents do to make creativity a part of their family?
At home, parents can also encourage creativity by reflecting on the messages they send about creativity’s value. Allow “messy time” to be with your children and create with them.
“[Children hear] the very powerful message that creativity either only exists in some people or that you can reach a point in your life where it’s gone…”
Jayme Mansfield
Additionally, try not to put children in a box: the athlete, the artist, etc. Encourage them to take advantage of all opportunities, whether: robotics club, art, theater, music, or challenging classes!