Spontaneous Problem: A spontaneous problem is a brainstorming type problem to be solved in a specific amount of time and scored according to the number and creativity of responses generated. The point is to challenge students to be flexible thinkers, to elaborate on original ideas and to think fluently and creatively about a specific topic.
Today's Spontaneous Problem: What could you find on the imaginary planet, Twinkle?
Boundary Breaker: A boundary breaker is a group experience which works toward creating a sense of community. Students gain an awareness of and respect for the opinion of others by the use of questions that go beyond superficial depth and have no right/wrong answers.
Today's Boundary Breaker: What is thinking? Why is thinking important?
One big part of our day was devoted to introducing Art Costa's Habits of Mind. We discussed habits, good and bad, and discussed these as those identified in the most successful leaders. Students played Bingo to match the description to the positive character trait. What a bunch of Smarties!
Also on our agenda was a team challenge with some problems that required a second look. I want students to view failure as part of the learning process. Maybe they shared some at home with you! We read My Fantastic Elastic Brain and talked about how trying new and difficult things can help stretch and grow your brain.
We finished by looking at the four components of creativity and our mascots, The Nerds, who encourage you to "feed your imagination". We used flexibility to look at a doodle from many perspectives. We used fluency as we brainstormed many ideas the doodle could become. Then we narrowed it down to our most original idea. Finally students added detail to elaborate on their picture.
Another great day is in the books!
No comments:
Post a Comment