It’s OK NOT to Share Section 5: Creativity, Persistence, and Empty Praise

I promise I didn’t read ahead!

But I’ve written quite a few posts recently that dovetail right in with what Heather Shumaker wrote in this next section of her book, It’s OK Not to Share (*affiliate link).  So when I hopped in to read this section, it was another “Amen” session for me!

See why I love this book so much? 

Just a few of the twin topics covered:

• Understanding the difference between arts and crafts.
• Why kids need messy play and how to help them get it without losing your own ever-loving mind.
• The benefits of big art projects, particularly for kids who are more drawn to large motor activities.
• The danger of turning kids into praise junkies, and how to give more effective encouragement.

This really is a great chapter for understanding the power and importance of creativity, as well as the intricacies of praise done right!

I’m really excited be discussing these topics during our next G+ hangout with author Heather Shumaker as well as Rachelle Doorley, the brains behind the popular blog, Tinkerlab.  Rachelle’s new book by the same name is set to release on June 10th and is a perfect example of the intersection of science and art that Heather talks about!  (Pre-order Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventorsfrom Amazon through this affiliate link!)

(Video will be posted here as soon as it’s recorded.  Past posts and videos can also be found on the kick-off page for this series.)

I’d love to hear about your thoughts as you read this section, or about your experiences with the topics addressed, so that we can incorporate those ideas into our G+ chat!

Other points in the section to consider:

• “Art for toddlers and preschoolers is rarely about beauty.  It’s all about exploration and personal expression.” (pg. 269)
• “For kids, there is little difference between art and science.” (pg. 271)
• “Crafts are not the same as art, and they should make up a small percentage of a child’s experience with art materials.” (pg. 272)
• The comparison between giving young children a model to copy and an adult trying to copy Renoir. (pg. 273)
• “…Free expression through art and stories is essential.…If a child draws a picture of something, that means he wants to explore it.  It’s on his mind.”  (pg. 275)  Compare that with the other discussions about play and the perspective that we should worry more about setting limits on the content of the input kids receive and not the expressive output they (by necessity) work through.  What do YOU do when the theme of your child’s art makes you uncomfortable?
• “‘Art’ for young kids is about exploring materials and being creative.  It doesn’t always look like what we consider art.” (pg. 280)
• Some kids who don’t seem to “buy in” to art activities will respond better to action art or other art projects that incorporate large motor movements.  Have you witnessed this with your own kids or classrooms?
• “All families have different tolerances for mess.”  (pg. 282)  What’s YOUR comfort zone?
• Heather mentions Bev Boss on pg. 283, and she is quite a remarkable woman!  If you aren’t familiar with her, you can get to know some things about her here.
• “Acknowledgement is better than praise.  Inner satisfaction is better than outside approval.”  (pg. 286)
• Encourage a “growth mindset” and use descriptive praise that emphasizes the process rather than judgmental praise that reflects only on the product.
• Avoid generic praise like “Good Job”.  What’s your hardest praise habit to break?

What did YOU highlight and underline?  Add your thoughts in the comments section, or begin the read along at the beginning!

Psst–  You might also enjoy my free ebook on the topic of creativity!  Read all about it here!