Making Room for Creativity and Wondering

Both need space to flourish!

Einstein had so many zingers, didn’t he?

I came across this Einstein quote recently, and it really hit. I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity lately, and this idea seems right on the money: there are lots of ways that intelligence can manifest, and a little playfulness in applying that intelligence is likely to result in creative results. I’m thinking about Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences here, with all the different ways ways of being “smart” indicated in this model:

• linguistic intelligence (“word smart”)

• logical-mathematical intelligence (“number smart”)

• visual-spatial intelligence (“shapes and spaces smart”)

• bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (“movement smart”)

• musical intelligence (“music and rhythm smart”)

• interpersonal intelligence (“people smart”)

• intrapersonal intelligence (“self smart”)

• naturalist intelligence (“creation smart”)

Think about what “intelligence having fun” could look like for each of these—can you imagine it? And can you imagine some version of that showing up in your life…or in your classroom? (Either for your students…or even for you?)

Thinking about this quote and all it implies about creativity, intellect, and playfulness, I was reminded of another Einstein quote, this one used in the song “This Emotion is a Stranger” by Color Therapy. (Their album, Mr. Wolf is Dead, is great background music, by the way.) Here is the quote:

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.

I love this idea so much, and I want a poster that says this to hang on the wall of my office. I’m making a connection between these: could this kind of “intelligence having fun” and “experiencing the mysterious” combine to create an engaging learning environment for students? I think so!

This has me thinking about my role as a Christian educator. How am I making space for students to explore the different ways their intelligence is expressed…and have some creative fun while doing so? How am I making space for my students to "experience the mysterious?" To wonder? To stand in awe?

Today I’m feeling curious: could making space for "wondering"--in every sense of the word--bring life to our classrooms? What kind of learning atmosphere would result if we sought to infuse every lesson with some sense of creativity and wonder? Would students learn more? Would they be more engaged? Would they be more curious? Would they care more deeply about the content? Would they feel like it was a waste of their time? Would it begin to lose it's luster if we "wondered" all the time?

I wonder...

What creative, wonderful things are in store for your students? Make some space for playful fun and opportunities for awe!

Dave’s Faves

Here are four things I’m absolutely loving right now that I hope you might love too…

Dave’s Fave #1: Presenting PD sessions at conferences!

You guys, I just have to say it: I LOVE presenting professional development workshops at conferences! Earlier this month, I got to present at the Christian Educators Association Convention in South Bend, Indiana. What a phenomenal group of Christian educators—including some of my former students who are now professional colleagues! I went with Matt and Abby, my partners in crime on the Hallway Conversations podcast, and we recorded a live episode. (It will be out next week Wednesday—you can find us on your favorite podcast app!) I also presented a solo session: “Assessment for Flourishing: Exploring our Beliefs and Practices.” We had a great time thinking about what we believe about our students, how we assess their learning, and how our assessment practices can lead to flourishing for students and teachers alike. (I’d love to work with your school too, if it makes sense for us to do this! You can find out more about the kinds of things I present on my Speaking and Presenting page.)

Such a great group of teachers at CEA! I hope I can be back again next year. :-)

Dave’s Fave #2: Chicago dogs…in Chicago

To get to South Bend, we decided to fly to Chicago and rent a car to drive in the last leg. Which means, of course, that we had to drive back to Chicago to fly home…and since we had a couple of extra hours before our evening flight, we decided to find a place to park downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of the big city.

Which, for me, means getting a Chicago dog with everything to enjoy! Can’t beat ‘em.

“With everything” means everything…but NOT ketchup, friends. So, so good.

Dave’s Fave #3: Dordt University Theatre Department’s production of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

I love C. S. Lewis’s Narnia books, and seeing a dramatization of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a delight. My daughter, the thespian, made this an absolute joy for me, because she played Mrs. Beaver, but WOW, what a great show it was! Our theatre arts program is firing on all cylinders.

Too bad I don’t have any actual photos of the show (no phones allowed during the show!) But there are some great pics available on Dordt Theatre Instagram.

Dave’s Fave #4: Seven Swans by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan fans, I know, I know…he has a new album out. (And it IS good!) But I always find myself looping back to this oldie. This week’s music recommendation is his 2004 album, Seven Swans. If you’ve never listened, you’re in for a treat: rich biblical imagery, haunting melodies, and (I think) some of his most beautiful guitar work.

Book Update…

I’m very excited to keep moving forward with getting my first book published! (Isn’t that ambitious: “my first book?” Because I’m definitely hoping to write more.) Last week I wrapped up all of the tagging for typesetting, and gave it one more read-through before sending it off to my editor. I should hear back in the next few weeks about suggestions for edits (hopefully minor!) and other input. If all goes smoothly, it should be in print in early 2024. Don’t worry…I’ll keep you posted. :-)

The Last Word!

The fall colors on the trees have been wonderful the past few weeks in Iowa. And then, the snow came this past weekend…which feels pretty early, if you ask me! I haven’t even raked yet, and there are still plenty of leaves on the trees!

This is my neighbor’s tree. Truly, I don’t even mind if the leaves blow into my yard, because I get to look at this beauty!

Change is hard, but it can be beautiful too. And seasons are part of the way God designed this world to function, which is always a good reminder for me: that I can look for the beauty in every situation.

“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”

Genesis 8:22