Creativity Across the Primary Curriculum: Framing and Developing Practice

This work takes a look at how to foster childrens creativity as well as following the guidelines in the National Curriculum. The book: explores the nature of the creative mind; investigates the role of play and the concept of creativity; examines appropriate continuing professional development for teachers; looks at the personal and professional identities of teachers; and considers ways of analyzing and describing creative practice. The text looks at the bigger picture in education, asking what sort of systems need to be designed to develop childrens learning in the 21st century. It should be a useful resource to teachers, head teachers and advisory staff committed to asking questions, encouraging play and not allowing problems or circumstances to block action.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part 1: Creativity in Children and Teachers 1. What is Creativity? 2. Illustrating Creativity in Children and Teachers 3. Creativity and Play Part 2: Creativity Across the Curriculum 4. The Arts and Humanities 5. Maths and Science 6. Technology Part 3: Personal and Professional Development 7. Understanding Self and Creative Potential 8. Fostering Creativity in the Primary Classroom 9. Professional Development for Creativity Part 4: Vision 10. Re-visioning Education for the 21st Century 11. Creativity, Virtue and Humanity

Review :
'I thought creativity was out of fashion these days, but here is a timely reminder of what we should be doing in primary education: namely, educating the whole child, and not just the part that does SATs. The brief is wide but the author nevertheless manages to discuss the issues in some depth. It will be a useful inspiration to teachers and students concerned about these issues.' - Natalie Ford, NATE journal '... Anna Croft presents a book which explores the nature of creativity and then seeks out ways in which creativity can be promoted through national curriculum subjects and teachers' professional development. The book is easily readable and the author purposefully informs teachers about ways in which creative thought can be engendered in primary schools ... As the NCCCE states 'The case for change is strong and the need for action is urgent' ... Creativity Across the Primary Curriculum [goes] some way toward promoting the changes required and outlining the actions which need to be taken.' - English 4-11