Developing Creativity in the Primary School

This informative book brings together theory, research and practice examples of creativity in primary schools, providing a scholarly yet accessible introduction. The book offers an overview for teachers looking for a concise guide to current thinking about creativity, particularly if your school is thinking of introducing or extending its practice.

The book considers recent developments in the creative curriculum, and techniques embedded in approaches such as Philosophy for Children, Mantle of the Expert and Enterprise Education. Ideas for personalising teaching and creating independent and motivated learners are incorporated. Other key features of the book include:

• Examination of the major theories of creativity
• How to develop your own creativity as a teacher
• Focus on the difference between developing group and individual creativity
• Innovative ideas for creativity in subject teaching
• Practical examples and ‘Creative Challenges’ throughout

The book draws on the author''s many years of experience of working with children in schools, working on Creative Partnerships and Higher Education in the Arts (HEARTS) projects and ideas developed through working in initial teacher training.

This book is essential reading for students in the early stages of their teacher training course as well as for practising teachers looking for innovative ideas and guidance on developing creativity in themselves and their classrooms.

“This is an interesting book, which explores theory, practice and policy of creativity in the primary classroom. Jill Jesson links five key creative behaviours drawn together initially by (then) policymakers QCA, with what she identifies as six areas of creative endeavour. Primary teachers committed to developing a ‘creative curriculum’ will find much material in this lively book that supports their personal and professional creativity, as well as suggestions for classroom practice in developing individual and group work.”
Professor Anna Craft, University of Exeter and The Open University, UK

“This is a compulsory read for all those interested in developing the creative potential of young people in primary schools. It includes a useful overview of previous thinking on creativity and makes a convincing case for its importance across the curriculum. Above all, this book is jam-packed with practical ideas. Whether you are interested in creative approaches to maths or modern languages, developing group or personal creativity, or the challenges of assessing creative endeavour, you will find a host of strategies that have been tried and tested in the classroom.”
Hilary Hodgson, Director, Ormiston Trust