Author Interview - Ginger Carlson - Part Two

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

24 Apr 2008 07:25 AM

Welcome to the second part of our interview with Ginger Carlson, author of Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative and Naturally Curious Children.

LG: Parents are busy today, how can they have time to do something extra?

GC: The great thing about creativity, and nurturing it, is that it is something that doesn't take extra time. It is easily incorporated into what you are already doing. The activities in Child of Wonder are actually wonderful for working parents as well as stay-at-home parents, both of whom might find themselves short of time for different reasons. As Melissa Hart says in the Foreword: "Clear directions, supported by theoretical discussions, allow readers a range of options. Adults pressed for time can implement ideas quickly and easily, incorporating teachable moments into everyday activities. Alternatively, parents and teachers with more time to devote to a child's education can delve deeply into the book, studying the pedagogy that informs each chapter, and using the activities as a jumping-off point to design entire creative curriculums." Additionally, developing connections and finding unique ways to share the precious time we do share with our children is a creative venture in itself. One that is always worth the effort.

LG: Does stressing creativity take away from time spent on developing more academic skills?

GC: No, not at all. In fact, giving opportunity for children to develop creativity adds to their academic prowess. There's a common misconception that if a child (or adult, for that matter) is doing something that is fun, or fulfills them in some other way that they are then not doing something that is worthwhile or "academic". Fortunately, that is not the case at all and creative thinking will only boost academic skills.

LG: What message would you like to communicate to parents of young children?

GC: The message is simple yet substantial. Creativity is something very special in that it does not discriminate. It is available to all people. You don't have to quilt or paint with oils on the ceiling of a church, to be creative or profoundly express that creativity. That is what is so wonderful about it. We all have it in us to be able to think differently and critically, and solve problems effectively. By stimulating thought, honoring the creative process, and offering ways of unique expression we can give this gift of wonder to our children, no matter what their background or situation.

LG: Do you think TV, video games, and computers are limiting children's creative growth?

CG: Yes, in a lot of ways I think they are. However, I also believe it isn't necessarily the medium that is responsible for those limitations, but the corporate advertising that is making its way to kids through them. I actually advocate for a balance in the use of these existing and emerging technologies. If parents bring a mindful eye to the use of media in the home and then deconstruct the images alongside their children then I believe, as many brain and educational researchers do, that they will learn how to critically navigate them, an important skill that can benefit creative development and critical thinking skills. That said, more time is spent with media than ever before and it is worth evaluating its use in the lives of children, especially those under the age of 8.

LG: What age range of children does this book address?

GC: Child of Wonder is written for parents and educators of children elementary aged and under. It will also be enjoyed by grandparents, childcare providers, and anyone else who comes in contact with children on a regular basis.

LG: So what are some quick ways parents can encourage creative thinking?

GC: The first would be to understand the child's needs. From there, parents can look at the environment in which their children are spending time. Are the things for children to create with easy to find and access? Do your children have many opportunities for free play? Can children remove themselves and have quiet moments by themselves? Can they make messes? Are they surrounded by stories? The more we can incorporate a wide variety of activities, the more we will nurture creative, confident thinkers!

Many thanks to Ginger Carlson for this interview and for writing Child of Wonder.

Also See:

Author Interview - Ginger Carlson - Part One

Author Interview - Linda Paulson Adams: Thoughts on Creativity

Everyday Matters - Danny Gregory

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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