WriteSmart podcast

I loved chatting with fellow educator Liz Goodfellow-Williams about the meaning of creativity and how it can enhance EVERY area of your life. Being a creative educator isn't just about 'doing art' once a term! Liz argues that everybody has the ability to think creatively - after all, whenever we solve a problem, no matter how big or small, we have usually had to think outside of the box!

This week we talk about the pressure on teachers and educators and how it has seriously affected mental health and well being for both pupils and teachers. We talk about the power of a creative classroom and what that means in real terms and with real limitations and how important it is to know what makes your pupils tick....

(please excuse the impromptu appearance of my doggy day care!)

This was a fabulous interview with Brian Frederick in which he shared the charming tale of the real-life little flower fairies who gave him inspiration for his children's story. Brian left a successful career in law to follow his creative dreams and has never looked back...

This week I chat to Lesley Cordell about her delightful new children's book about Angus the Little Cloud. Lesley talks about her life before writing as a police officer and how she hopes her book will encourage creative learning. She is also a fan of cross curricular links like me so we got along very well!

In this episode I  outline what the word creativity means to me and why I think some teachers can be a little nervous about it. How some experiences fuelled my passion for creative learning and why I think it is important.

This week I talk to parenting coach Krysty all the way over in the USA about how important creativity can be for child development. We discuss the problems occurring from an over-rigid curriculum and why it is important to follow your strengths and passions in life.

I am deeply passionate about inclusion and a creative learning environment that enables all learners to explore their own unique strengths, talents and passions. 'Incentives' such as the pen licence are great for those children that 'fit the mould' but what about those children who may have challenges or have strengths in other areas. I worry that what can be an incentive for the majority, may well be detrimental to the self-esteem, development and engagement of the minority...

...The third interview with Sibusiso Vliane discussing how important nature and the environment can be in education. Using the environment to be creative, to express yourself, to build resilience and independence can be vital to future happiness. It can also promote mindfulness and positivity and is great for mental health and wellbeing.

The second interview with Sibusiso Vilane our inspirational, South African, Mount Everest climbing friend! In this episode we talk about the importance of knowing what your natural talents and strengths are in order that you can follow your passions in life. As educators, it is our duty to empower young people to find their passions through varied experiences.

An amazing interview with the truly inspiration Sibusiso Vilane - the first black African to climb Mount Everest...TWICE! In this episode, Sibu talks about his humble beginnings, poor and with no shoes on his feet until the age of 10, and how he achieved his dreams by following his natural talents and passions. His belief of a life without limits, is something that should be an integral part of education, not just something to be ticked off a list, but something that is a fundamental part of learning and development.