Product reviews for The Artful Educator

In our recent UKEdChat session on Creativity in Schools, I alluded to creativity being a way of thinking and seeing the world. What I was meaning is that so much of pedagogy appears to be stuck around rigid curriculum programmes and creativity in schools appears to be stifled by accountability, getting results and pressures on teacher workload. Yet encouraging all members of a school community to be creative goes beyond the process of doing arty stuff, dance or singing - it's a way of thinking, doing, collaborating and feeling alive - it's a way of humanity.

For some in education, it is difficult to break free from the curriculum and school straight-jackets, but I would agree with Sue Cowley that teachers are intrinsically creative by their very nature. You only have to witness how creative the profession is when new initiatives come from policymakers, or when an aspect of the teaching and learning process isn't working and a teacher adapts the lesson immediately to keep students engaged. Teachers are endlessly creative in the face of many different challenges.

In her new book, “The Artful Educator - creative, imaginative and innovative approaches to teaching”, Sue Cowley explores an artful philosophy, the antithesis to standardisation. The results providing a powerful force for building students self-confidence and promoting an enjoyment of learning.

An 'artful attitude' to education offers different ways to learning, planning and creativity, with the book offering ideas for early years, primary, or secondary teachers to become: actors; playwrights; film directors; storytellers; sculptors; authors, or even; chefs. Yes, no matter what curriculum speciality you teach within, there is always the opportunity to be creative with the scheme of work you have to make your subject come alive and spark the senses of your students.



Sue offers a great range of ideas, activities and inspiration that will stimulate your artful thinking, making your teaching spark into life, and bringing out the best in your students offering creative ways of learning that they will fondly remember

Click here to read the review on UKEdChat.