Practical Creativity

Practical Creativity: Activities and Ideas for Your Language Classroom supplies world language, dual language, and English as a second language educators with a research-based model for using creativity to support language acquisition in the classroom. The book includes innovative learning exercises and teaching guidelines that are based on research of the cognitive and sociocultural aspects of creativity and learning.

Part I of the text helps instructors understand the role of creativity in language learning and teaching. The chapters outline the characteristics of creativity, ways to nurture inherent creative potential, divergent and convergent thinking skills, and creative challenges that can connect language and play in the classroom.

Part II helps educators apply theory to practice by teaching them how to employ creative, multimodal learning experiences for their students. The chapters examine various strategies and specific activities to integrate multiple modes into the classroom. Examples include the use of gestural language to enrich spoken messages, the use of digital media in the classrooms, and the introduction of tactile materials to bolster learning.

Featuring research, theory, creative challenges, and suggested multimodal activities, Practical Creativity is an ideal text for language educators who wish to revitalize their classroom with creativity-inspired lessons.

Anne Cummings Hlas is professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She has taught language methods courses and Spanish at all levels for more than 20 years. Additionally, she has conducted several workshops on creativity and has authored numerous academic articles for journals such as Foreign Language Annals, Hispania, and The Language Educator.