When you picture a “teacher” do you see yourself? Perhaps you do; perhaps you don’t. If a teacher is simply someone who teaches, then welcome to the club. Whoever you are, welcome.
As we take a glimpse at creativity, let’s consider creativity in the context of teaching. You may think, “Fine, as long as you give me a teacher’s manual.” While teacher’s manuals are often great resources, you don’t need a teacher’s manual to be a great teacher. May I suggest that your students may benefit more from some creativity than from one more teacher’s manual. Scrap the manual and think outside the box just a little. Here we go!
Instead of using a grammar book, grab a real book and circle all the strong action verbs you can find in an entire chapter (or at least one whole page!). Then add your favorite strong action verbs to your personal list so you can use them again in the future . . . in your own writing.
Spend 15 minutes outside observing nature. Write down as many nouns (things) as you can find while outside. Now everyone compare your lists and cross off anything that someone else has on their list. The person with the most items left wins. (Be sure to think of a creative prize for the winner!)
Read a child’s book - or a single chapter of a chapter book - and write down every character that was mentioned. Who remembers the most characters?
After watching an excellent movie, in writing, describe your favorite scene. Be sure to use amazing adjectives and adverbs to help the reader visualize the scene.
These are just a few ideas to get your mind exploring the possibilities. Whether you teach in your own home with your own children, in a co-op with other homeschool students, in a traditional school with children of all ages, you get to be whatever kind of teacher you choose to be. Among other things, I challenge you to embrace creativity - in yourself and in your students. Sometimes, think outside the box. Learning will be fun when you do.