Celebrate Creativity...

So a new journey has begun for our family,  and our daughter….She has just been accepted to a school in our area that has an Orchastra and Choir program,  and some arts type focus.   She has another workshop experience for another school the end of March,  with fewer spots available…but she is up for the challenge…and the opportunity.  This program has a more overall arts focus,  not just  mainly emphasis on music.   I have been inspired and challenged by a video that was posted on Lester  B. Pearson school for the Arts website …a TED talk on creativity….Here’s the link to the talk. http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html    So can schools really kill creativity?   The talk suggested that education has been at fault in some realms of “educating” the creativity out of our children.   I believe that there are many things about systems in society,  including our regular education system that are prone to blocking creativity,  if we allow it to,  however I am a firm believer that creativity will find a way,  and children do find ways through their resilience of maintaining their creativity.   It is that spark,  that little bit of rebellion against systems that can keep that creativity alive,  whether this rebellion be blatant….or hidden deep within.  

If I believe this,  then why would I want my child to attend a school for the arts.   

Though I believe fighting for these strengths to shine through can make one stronger…I also believe strongly that I want our daughters full potential to be realized,  and since her strengths are the arts and creativity,  I want her to learn through this potential and help it grow.   My nephew struggled in school, though he had an exceptional IQ  especially socially until my sister made the decision to have him apply to a school for gifted children in the states.   He has flourished so much in this program that he graduated and received a $40, 000 scholarship to a school of music in the STATES.   I found it interesting that the TED speaker chose to comment on right brained thinking of educators,   and how most University Professors are “stuck in their heads”   and right brained thinkers…. I believe this again is a generalization….,   I find being of “creative mind” ,  can be a pretty “heady’ experience as well….yes….its about expression…and forms of expression….but before it meets the medium…whether this be dance, creative writing,  drama, forms of visual arts or music….or problem solving….or inventing,  or new ways to approach old equations,  or looking at sciences,   or nature,  ….the creativity experience is a very “heady” and thoughtful experience indeed….      So cheers to our Jaz !   I am so proud of her.   We’ll have to find a fantastic way to celebrate this success and potential for the years to come.   If she gets accepted into Pearson,  we’ll have to support her in whatever decision is best for her.