The promotion of creativity in young children has been included in the agenda of the educational authorities in mainland China since 2001. Since then, attempts to implement this policy have appeared in different forms. The educational bureaux take measures by publishing documents and guidelines on the subject. While some kindergartens endeavour to…

The digest explores the nature of the creative process. It begins with background information which notes the importance of seeing the familiar in a new light and the possibility on non-acceptance of the creative act. Four basic abilities necessary for creativity and problem solving are identified: (1) fluency, (2) flexibility, (3) elaboration,…

Teaching gifted students to think creatively may follow the AUTA model: awareness of creativity, understanding of creativity, techniques of creativity, and finally, actualization--development of creative talents. (CL)

The 10 rational processes (which include recalling and imagining, classifying and generalizing, comparing and evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing, and deducting and inferring) are examined from a cultural and historical perspective, with particular emphasis on the suprarational aspects of creative thinking. A three stage model for facilitating…

Defines creativity by exploring the four components of creativity: person, product, process, and persistence. Illustrates the characteristics of the creative person and examines blocks to creativity. Applies the creativity concepts to music education. (RW)

The author describes her work as a Poet-in-the-Schools for the Ohio Arts Council particularly in relation to inspiration in the creative process. Stressed is the need for educators to recognize that creative production most often takes place after reflection on inspiration and to provide situations conducive to preparation and incubation. (SBH)

The article discusses fostering creativity in young children through encouragement and training, both at home and at school, and presents parents and teachers with 10 examples of activities designed to stimulate creative thinking in gifted and talented children. (DLS)

"Creating a superhero", a minicourse for gifted elementary children, is described. (CL)

Techniques that a social studies teacher can use to help students develop imagination, understanding, and divergent thinking are discussed. Also examined are meanings attached to the creative process and traits of creative people. (RM)

Offers a systematic approach to creative learning in music through an analysis of the components of complex learning and creative activity. Outlines goals for fostering creative learning in music education, and delineates person, process, and product objectives. Suggests methods of evaluating creativity. (RW)

Defining creativity as a process that draws upon talents, education, skills, thinking and working styles, and inherent intelligence, and pinpointing motivation as the single most important ingredient in the creativity recipe, this book provides dozens of concrete, hands-on exercises and techniques that can help a parent or teacher keep creativity…

Offers a number of techniques designed to challenge or alter or disrupt how a student perceives reality, thereby facilitating student development in creative thinking. (RL)

The article describes two one-hour sessions in image making, which serves as the foundation of the creative language arts program used by the author in teaching poetry and writing to children (grades K through 5). (SBH)

Uses a case-study approach to examine the role of belief as a catalytic quality in the artistic making and the thinking processes used by children. Describes the processes encountered by children when presented with artistic tasks. Discusses the relationship between belief and the three other main dimensions of artistic thinking and making: social…

Describes an entertaining approach to use in stimulating creative thinking in elementary science. (JMB)