Creative Thinking and Problem Solving in the Primary Curriculum provides a meaningful account of what creativity really means in the context of children’s learning in the primary school, and describes in practical terms what teachers can do to foster it. Its focus will be particularly on what is coming to be regarded as the new core (or minimum) curriculum, but the authors also include numerous illustrative accounts from other areas of the curriculum. The value of fostering creative thinking and problem solving abilities in education is widely recognised. Creative thought and the ability to solve problems confer an independence and capacity to function effectively in life. These contribute significantly to knowledge and know-how based economy appropriate to the UK in the twenty-first century. Some books which use the word ‘creativity’ describe merely the creativity of the teacher, not that of the children. Others confine themselves to one subject and often do not do that well. Building upon the research and practices of a group of educators studying creativity across the curriculum based in Durham University’s School of Education and led by the author, this book provides primary teachers and trainee teachers with easy to understand explanations of what creativity means in the context of the subjects of the curriculum for young children, introduces ideas for how to nurture and support it, and explores issues associated with fostering it, such as assessment. Its organisation will reflect the primary curriculum. Areas covered include:- A brief history of creativity and pedagogy, including common misconceptions Strategies for creative learning as well as creative teaching Creativity and Literacy Creativity and Mathematics Creative approaches to ICT and Science Creativity in the Arts and Humanities Assessment International perspectives on creativity
