Play = Creativity

What does it mean to be creative? Where does inspiration come from? How can we cultivate great ideas?

These are some of the questions learners have been exploring as they journey through our Winter Camp theme of Creativity and the Arts. Our answer to these questions is simple, PLAY! 

The power of play is vital. Play is how we spark ideas, uncover mysteries, learn from a friend, develop social skills, try something new, overcome challenges, and regain or release energy. This is why play is the primary way that Spark learners learn in the studio and why we are invested in play and it’s link to creativity this Winter Camp session. 

This week we played by focusing on storytelling and music. Learners selected inspiring images, created drawings, and developed stories to share with their Spark Studio audience. You may have heard that they took on the role as Chris or Martin from Wild Kratts and that they made their debut as a live reporter on our Spark Studio TV Station! Storytelling continued as we explored music and created our very own musical compositions. 

Play is an active frame of mind and reflection is a powerful tool.  During our daily discussions this week we polled learners, “How many of you love to sing?” (all hands raised) “How many of you love to draw and create art?” (all hands raised) “How many of you love to make up stories?” (all hands raised). We declared “Congratulations, you are a musician, you are a visual artist, you are a storyteller!” Eyes and smiles were big and learners sat a little taller.

Later we heard, “I am a great artist, I have a lot of ideas!"