This September, the team at FableVision Learning had the pleasure of spending a week exploring creativity with the GATE Gifted and Talented Educators from across the island of Guam. It was such an amazing experience!

We brought them our newest workshop on creative teaching and learning, and they brought us the generous and kind Hafa Adai spirit (Hafa Adai means “hello” in Guam’s native language, Chamorro).

We were lucky enough to begin our week on International Dot Day. Our founder, New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, joined the room virtually, and shared his inspiring story, hopes, and appreciation.

Then, we celebrated! The teachers loved creating their own dots, and learning ways to incorporate the A in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

But, of course, art was merely the first step in our creative journey, as teachers discovered how creativity powers innovation and invention.

For the rest of the week, we dove into the science of creative thinking.

We discussed a creative education framework and creative learning model. We used Peter’s picture books to practice creativity skills. We shared ideas and explored creative problem solving. We even created our own creative classroom climate checklist together, based on research.

And all throughout, we had a blast! There were games, songs, and lots and lots of laughs.

The teachers also got to explore our Creativity Maker Suite programs for students - Fab@School Maker Studio, Animation-ish, and Get Published - and ended the five-day program with a virtual chat (from 8,000 miles away!) with FableVision's CEO Paul Reynolds.

By the end of the week, the teachers were full of excitement, ideas, plans, and the motivation to create bravely with their students.

Seeing these teachers alight with new ideas gave us so much excitement for the future of creative education.

All it takes are teachers who are willing to make their classrooms havens of creativity - teachers who will lead the charge in making change. We are grateful to have been a part of their journey.

We already have plans to visit Guam again soon, and can’t wait to continue to light the path of creative learning and action with other schools around the world.

To learn more about our creativity programs and training, contact info@fablevisionlearning.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sara Smith is Creative Education Development Manager for FableVision Learning. She holds a Master of Science in creativity from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at SUNY College at Buffalo. Sara is compelled by learning and its intersection with creativity, and her vision is to develop and support creative communities that help people to grow and to nurture their passions and strengths.