We have been exploring The Creative Cycle in 3rd and 4th grades. Thanks to Amy Keus, I have a much better understanding of how we can use this cycle at Campus International. Basically, you just take any idea, assignment, task or project and split it up into four parts: planning, working, fixing, and showing.
For starters, I asked our 3rd graders how do they earn a belt in Karate? This began an entire class discussion of what is involved in the process. In the end, each student realized they indeed use this cycle but in many different ways and using different terms.
Let’s take the practice section for example. How each student worked on the belt varied the most, but the action was practicing, so it all fit. Some explorers practiced by playing it for their parents, some practiced on the bus by running through the fingering without actually blowing into the recorder (good thing because the bus drivers would have a new recorder if they played it on the bus!) some only practiced in class, others practiced alone at home. The process was there, but now it can be identified in our creative cycle. The 3rd graders created a piece using the G pentatonic scale and performed it for the class. At the completion of the assignment, each student was able to identify the 4 P’s: Plan, Practice, Polish and Perform.
This photo speaks a 1,000 words, one of my all time favorites. Siomha and Cahlee created one of the most peaceful compositions using a simple ostinato and 3 note melody. I can still hum it today, it was so incredible! Way to go you two!
The students chose a variety of ways to ‘polish’ the pieces. These three chose to add some
fancy footwork to their piece, complete with high kicks and harmony.
Elijah, Eric and Joy in their polished performance.
