Costumes
When you think about Halloween you most likely think about dressing up, assuming a different identity for the day or evening. This act can be thrilling, time consuming, and wildly creative. So, why don’t we dress in costume more often?
Dressing up is an act of play, a simple and essential part of life. Play is at the heart of every child and I argue that it is at the heart of every creative individual (everyone). Prior to starting Acton I was many things (still am) but specifically as a performer and researcher I was most curious about creativity. I constantly wondered where creativity came from and how I and others could access it more often. After many experiments, tinkering with my own playing, and a human research trial I found that creativity flows most during acts of play. Not practice, not performance, play—having fun! My main “aha” was when I learned that spending time in someone else’s shoes jump starts ideas, frees judgement, and generates creativity like a faucet. Putting on a costume, perhaps even an alter ego for just a little bit allows creativity to flow. I have the research to back these claims up, feel free to be curious and check out my TEDx talk here.
Early on in Acton’s tenure I knew that creativity must be woven into the daily fabric of learning at our school. This happens in a multi-faceted way however one way is the most fun—COSTUMES!
Weekly in the Spark Studio the Inspector visits after Core Skills to check the quality of cleanliness and organization of the studio. The Inspector wears a brown hat and has glasses and a mustache and eye brows that move up and down. Plus, the Inspector has an accent, sometimes French sometimes German and sometimes it alternates within the visit unintentionally. Learners LOVE the picky Inspector and often a few learners get to try on this costume and play the part.
Throughout the years we’ve had other visitors such as Albert Einstein, George Washington, and this Debate session even Ruth Bader Ginsburg visited for debate vocabulary trivia, lace collar and all! Dressing up as historical heroes creates a 3D memorable experience for learners. Yes, we read stories and share facts about heroes but nothing compares with meeting a hero in real life. It’s silly and of course they know it’s me and our Guides however the point isn’t who is wearing the costume the point is that learning is fun, the point is that they are smiling, laughing, and they remember these heroes because meeting a hero is worth remembering! Plus, the smile learners have as they see a costumed Guide is like liquid sunshine. Their surprise fills everyone’s bucket and warms the entire room with joy.
Now, costumes aren’t just for our youngest Acton learners, Discovery learners get them too! We’ve created costumed characters such as the Riddler (riddle trivia) who wears sunglasses, a blazer, and has a question cane, the Rainbow Revealer who reveals character qualities and wears a pipe cleaner crown and rainbow cape, as well as Pirate Joe, Word Wizard, and more! The smirk and wide eyes of learners who watch a Guide pass is truly special. Discovery learners who recently watched the Inspector walk by excitedly shared “I remember when the Inspector used to visit, wasn’t that so fun?!”
Playing is worth the investment. Maybe you don’t need a full costume at home perhaps you simply need to explore the process of play. How do you play? How can you play with your child? Wishing you many giggles and ideas!