Author Interview - Ginger Carlson - Part One

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

23 Apr 2008 05:03 PM

Last week I reviewed Child of Wonder, by Ginger Carlson. Today Ms. Carlson joins us for a few questions on creativity and nurturing wonder in children.

LG? Where did your interest in nurturing creativity and curiosity begin?

GC: I think I have always had an innate interest in creativity because I was reared in a family where an importance was placed on being creative and my own natural curiosities were always nurtured. Then, it was sort of reborn during the time I spent teaching in an urban school in Los Angeles in the early 1990's. I was hyper aware of my students' need to develop their critical thinking skills and have opportunity to positively express themselves. I eventually went on to teach in International and Embassy schools throughout Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, and saw the same universal need for learning to think and wonder and love learning! Ultimately, having a child of my own was the catalyst for putting all the ideas down on paper, and into the form you see now as Child of Wonder.

LG: Why is creativity important?

GC: Creativity and natural curiosity are the ability to want to learn, to want to express oneself, to be able to solve problems, and even ultimately to change culture. That said, it is also something that is often "lost" between childhood and adulthood, and many adults find themselves in a place where they are trying to recover their creative sides. The trick is to help children enjoy learning, hold onto that sense of wonder, and develop a critical eye towards the world. When they can do that they become the Leonard di Vincis, the Einsteins, and the Marie Curies of the world.

LG: Can you share a favorite activity/section from your book?

GC: Sure. I think one of my most favorite sections in the book is the chapter called "Give Me Space" which is about creating special places and spots that allow for creativity to emerge by giving children time and space for quiet moments, contemplation, rest, relaxation, and imaginative play. From finding simple spaces under tables or made of pillows and scarves atop beds to more elaborate projects like lofts and treehouses, there are a variety of activities and ideas for nurturing creativity through special quiet spaces. I am also partial to the chapter about messes because I feel strongly about the need for constructive messes in order for creativity to bubble to the surface. In that chapter, there are many recipes and ideas for accepting, creating, containing, and even cleaning up messes.

Join us tomorrow for the second part of the interview!

Also See:

Author Interview - Linda Paulson Adams: Thoughts on Creativity

Everyday Matters - Danny Gregory

The Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul - Kathy Cano Murillo

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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