Imagination Tree

Just saw this on a post and made me smile. I have come across many wonderful Einstein quotes when reading about Early Years development. He saw arts and sciences as ‘branches of the same tree’. He also said that play is the highest form of research. Here he is admiring Chaplin’s genius, his art, imagination and form of expression.
This led me to think about something that is on many people’s minds at the moment. There is really no way we can measure the true impact of this pandemic on our mental health and well being - especially on our children and young people. Sadly, no matter how hard we try to make our remote/ blended...learning interesting and engaging it is very difficult to create real and meaningful opportunities for self expression.
Whether it is goofing with peers in the playground, sharing your footy skills, having a giggle with a bit of classroom banter, exploring the resources, expertise and support found in school music, drama and art departments, to signing up for every team sport, drama, dance, music production, or making your views heard through eco groups, radio, news, councils.. this pandemic has to varying degrees restricted our children’s outlets for the plethora of forms of self expression that our amazing schools provide, support and encourage.

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. Albert Einstein

During this pandemic all the talk and focus seems to be on keeping up academic attainment - the talk of catch up and longer days and less breaks… when in class most children have been sat in desks and intensely taught academic curricula with restrictions on movement and use of shared resources.
What can we do?
As the clever gentleman implied, sometimes just to keep pushing for the same results even when you can see that’s not going to really work, is not maybe the best tack. A different approach perhaps? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see more, ( I’m sure there are plenty of brilliant people out there leading amazing initiatives!) proactive and creative responses to this dilemma?
Wouldn't it be nice if those who are in the roles that lead our education systems could start to focus solely on creativity and self expression as they start back on their paths to new normal? Wouldn't it be nice to see them recognise the connections between self expression, creativity and mental health and well being. We all know that imagination, creativity and self expression create limitless possibilities and let us make mistakes, learn on our own terms and lead us to being more resilient, more understanding and more happy and healthy human beings.

Last Einstein quote:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

Are we guilty of trying to sculpt our children into an image that we think they should be?

The Heart and Science of Raising a Human Dr. Vanessa LaPointe defines attachment and why it is foundational to your child's development.

I love to watch active and engaged children- but how do they slow down and take stock. How do they process the day and the range of emotions that they have have experienced? This is a great little article on the benefits of teaching your children mindfulness.

Why and How to Teach Your Kids Mindfulness Practicing mindfulness can help kids learn to focus, manage stress, regulate emotions, and develop a positive outlook. Here's how to teach them the skill.

To all those who read to children...to all those who tell stories!
The power of the imagination makes us infinite. J. Muir

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We all want our children to feel good about themselves. Why don’t you try out this fun interactive game to help build self-esteem.

A Game to Play to Increase Your Child's Self Esteem Giving and receiving compliments is helpful in developing a child's self-esteem and respect for others. Try the interactive game catch the compliment!

Here’s to celebrating the individual!

As media and technology is at the heart of all our lives today it is great to find websites like Common Sense Media’. Check out their best websites for families.

Best Websites for Kids | Common Sense Media Looking for the best websites for kids? Common Sense Media helps you find kid-friendly websites that are entertaining, educational, safe, and age-appropriate.

My family just love storytelling. Check out number 25 of these tips to spark creativity. It's one I will definitely be trying out on our family favourite stories.

25 Ways to Spark Your Child's Creative Thinking | Parents Raising a creative child is easier than you may think: There are endless opportunities to ask intriguing questions and model creative thinking in everyday moments with your child. These ideas can get you started.

Healthy Eating is an essential starting point to creative thinking, this is a great resource to play in a classroom.

My Plate - Food Group Match Game HealthyEating.org from Dairy Council of California offers print, interactive and turnkey resources that teach and inspire healthy eating from the five food groups.