Creativity and Creative Writing

• Creative Writing is the subject matter.
• The lesson focuses on Creativity and Creative Writing.
• The lesson duration is one week.
• The lesson dates are February 6 & 7.

Description of the Lesson

• Students will explore creativity and its relevance in the 21st century.
• The lesson aims to understand creativity as a key skill.
• Creative writing serves as a tool for expressing ideas, emotions, and experiences.
• Students will learn the importance of creativity and creative writing in their personal and professional lives.
• Students will learn to foster innovative thinking and self-expression.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Creativity as a 21st-century skill can be developed through writing.
• Writing is an expressive macro skill in the K to 12 curriculum.

Targets/Objectives

• Define creativity and creative writing.
• Relate the purposes and benefits of creative writing in real-life situations.
• Create a slogan about creativity as a 21st-century skill.

Motivation Activity: Picto-Ponder: Word Association Challenge

• The class will be divided into four groups.
• Groups will describe the picture and list words associated with it within 30 seconds.
• Words are listed on a ¼ sheet of paper and presented to the class.
• The group with the most words wins

Guide Questions

• What sparks creativity?
• Is creativity innate or learned?
• How does writing serve as a medium for creative expression?
• How can technology facilitate creative expression?
• What was your experience learning Creative Writing in senior high school?

What is Creativity?

• Naiman (2024) defines "creativity" as turning imaginative ideas into reality.
• Creativity involves seeing the world in new ways and making connections.
• Effective creativity requires both thinking and production.
• According to the Cambridge Dictionary "creativity" is producing/using original ideas.
• Creativity often means risk-taking and challenging traditional thinking.
• Creativity brings new ideas to life.

Creativity as a 21st Century Skill

• Imagination is used to create new ideas and works.
• Creativity is applicable in school, work, and problem-solving.
• It involves thinking outside the box and empowers innovation.
• Creativity fosters diverse and unique ideas, unrestricted by norms.
• In the 21st century, creativity is essential for thriving in a changing world.
• Writing is an effective medium for developing creativity.
• Writing encourages critical thinking, idea generation, and communication.
• Creativity equips individuals to navigate a complex world.
• Cultivating creativity prepares for challenges and opportunities.

Why Creativity?

• Problem-solving: Helps people find new ways to solve problems.
• Adaptability: Helps people adapt to change and new situations.
• Learning: Facilitates easier and more motivated learning.
• Expression: Helps people express themselves and their feelings.
• Mental health: Improves mental health and reduces stress.
• Physical health: Improves physical health and develops fine motor skills.

What is Creative Writing?

• Creative writing is imaginative writing that conveys the author's perspective.
• Also referred to as "imaginative writing or literature".
• Creative writing is a platform for developing expression in the 21st century.
• Expressive writing is known as using descriptive language to create creative characters and stories
• In the K-12 Curriculum it provides structure for students to develop techniques in fiction, poetry and drama
• Writers explore their thoughts and feelings and experiment with language

Purposes of Creative Writing

• Self-Expression: Communicating ideas, emotions, and convictions uniquely.
• Fantasy and Imagination: Developing fictional worlds and characters.
• Ideas and Emotions Exploration: Examining difficult concepts and feelings through characters and stories.

Benefits of Creative Writing

• Improved Communication Skills: Enhancing written and spoken skills.
• Boost Imagination: Exploring scenarios and developing original stories.
• Increased Confidence: Boosting self-esteem through positive feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Creativity involves thinking and producing.
• Creativity is vital beyond just artistic expression.
• Acting on ideas is important for creativity.
• Creative writing differs from technical or academic writing.
• Writing is a vital skill for K-12 students to articulate thoughts, emotions, and creativity.

Activities

• Slogan Making Activity: Creativity as a 21st Century Skill - The class will create a catchy slogan on creativity with visual representation.