Innovative kids are creative
Does life seem to have become more complicated? Are there increasing expectations on you and your family to do more and to be better? There may be a solution. Join acclaimed teacher Gerry Hillier as she delivers a free talk on “Experiencing Creativity and Self-awareness”. Put simply, it’s about parents and children discovering creative, imaginative play, and thereby encouraging more creative, imaginative thinking. An innovative thinking model is an essential skill for our emerging global economy.
“We are all, by the very nature of our existence, equally creative. However, in our modern societies, much emphasis is placed upon productivity, achievement and outcome. The more attached we become to these goals, the more we risk limiting our creative potential”, said Ms Hillier.
“As parents and teachers, if we can offer many healthy experiences to remind children of their creative spirit, we offer them the opportunity to understand themselves, their place in the world and their potential. As adults it is never too late for us to rediscover our own creativity and the joy of who we are.”
Gerry Hillier has worked as a yoga teacher, drama and creative expression facilitator, scrípt writer and director for over 30 years. During that time she has regularly conducted workshops, devised drama programmes, scrípted and directed theatrical productions in schools and community and worked extensively with youth, women, indigenous communities, physical and mental disabilities promoting self-awareness and creative expression. The program incorporates drama, art and movement to develop self-confidence, resilience and self expression.
Terry Hanly, retired school Principal said of the program, “Not only did it promote and develop children’s academic skills, it was instrumental in improving self-confidence, self-esteem and self- discipline for many children. As presenter of a meaningful creative expression program, I have found Gerry to be without peer – creative, energetic and insightful.”
Acclaimed author of ‘Creative Schools’, Sir Ken Robinson also describes our current school systems suppressing creativity. He proposes that our current model leaves little room for divergent thinking. “Much of the blame for a lack of creativity, and therefore innovation, can be traced to our traditional educational systems. It relies on teaching to the correct answer.” A new study suggests 80% of educators surveyed preferred creativity to be included as part of learning standards.
This free discussion will be at the Gympie Civic Centre Thursday July 21 at 6.30pm, with a light supper provided. You are then invited to take part in a two day workshop on July 30 and 31 for only $50. The workshops aim to give parents and caregivers confidence with practical skills for the home and for the classroom. They aim to help you discover more about yourself, and enable the same access to discovery for children.
This program is supported by Gympie Regional Council’s Regional Art Development Fund. With limited availability, bookings can be made at: www.gympieboxoffice.com or phone 0428 193 156 for more information.
