The Ted Talk that Hurt My Heart a Little...

Interesting question: "Do schools kill creativity?"

Actually, more than interesting. Topical. Relevant. Poignant. Unsettling, even.

After listening to this, I have to ask myself...What, as a teacher, will I do to make sure that I'm not killing my students' creativity?

There is no easy answer.

Right about now, you might be asking yourself why I'm including this in my blog about differentiation. Well, from what I have learned this year, differentiation is all about being advocates for our students. Are we really being their advocate if we are teaching them to suppress or ignore aspects of themselves? Isn't a teacher who is truly invested in her students invested in ALL aspects of the student?

Tomlinson says that the teacher who communicates investment to the learners makes it clear:

• I work hard to make this place work for you.
• I work to make this place reflect you.
• I enjoy thinking about what we do here.
• I love to find new paths for success.
• It is my job to help you succeed.
• I am your partner in growth.
• I will do what it takes to ensure your growth.

(Page 31)

In class, we have often discussing tiering assignments for interest. At first, it seemed like one of the least important aspects to me. Don't we all need to learn that sometimes we just have to suck it up and do things we don't want to do? Of course we do. BUT-as a teacher, I can have negotiables and negotiables, just like I do as a parent. Whenever possible, I can allow students to choose things that interest them, and, chances are, they will choose things that reflect their talents and capacity for creativity. I believe we call that a win/win situation.