A Teacher's Perspective & What One Student Thinks
We’re delighted to have a teacher and student share their perspectives about the importance of creativity in the classroom and the benefits of engaging in #CreateConnectCare.
A Teacher’s Perspective: National Board Certified Teacher Carrie Renfro Discusses the Benefits of Creative Action in the Classroom
"I teach Career & Technology courses in the Family & Consumer Sciences pathways for Human Services, Hospitality & Tourism, and Health Sciences at John Marshall Enterprise High School to 9-12th grade students.
I love creating using traditional and nontraditional mediums. Art is an outlet for expression, healing, voice, and purpose. In my previous career as a chef, I filled the need to create and express myself using food as art. As a teacher, I dig into my entrepreneurial creativity through purposeful lesson planning that includes creation as an authentic assessment. #CreateConnectCare appeals to me because it empowers my students to locate and then use their voices. I love that this opportunity inspires me to reach into my creative pool and is a door to a global audience for my students.
#CreateConnectCare provides time for self-expression that can be easily integrated into an academic assessment as well. It benefits teachers by giving them a window and insight into student thoughts and understanding. If we have a digital assignment, I always invite students to add digital art to their discussion submissions to support their thoughts. I often find more value in their creative expressions than their scholastic writing. Words can be copied, but creativity tends to reflect the true nature of my students. I notice that many students are most thoughtful and reflective during the process of creative expression. Selfishly, it brings me joy to watch them create.
While participating in CreateConnectCare. I discovered my students were unfamiliar with haiku, and counting syllables was difficult for many students. I provided students with an emotional wheel to look for words connected to their core feelings that they might be able to use as an anchor for their deeper thoughts. It proved to be very enlightening for me and my students. They had a lot more to say than they realized, and they really needed to have that outlet to express their inner thoughts. My students also responded to a CV Changemakers’ creative call to action for mental health-related memes. I learned where their technology gaps were in creating digital art and provided additional technological guidance. Some students who tend to be less vocal could share some deep thoughts through their images. This creative approach allowed them to share their stories. I think when students are in the middle of the swamp, it is hard to be funny. Attempting to reframe negative experiences with humor was a low-risk way to help students express themselves.
I believe it is vital to provide time for students to express themselves in an artistic way during any class, and I strongly encourage teachers to incorporate #CreateConnectCare into their lesson plans. There are some excellent resources for students and educators on the #CreateConnectCare site with tangible ideas for how to get students engaged."
What Does One Student Think? High School Junior Sophia Shares Her Perspective About Creative Action and #CreateConnectCare in the Classroom.
"Participating in CreateConnectCare as a student taught me the transformative power of creativity, connection, and compassion in promoting mental health awareness. Through sharing stories and experiences, I learned that creative expression breaks down barriers, reduces stigma, and fosters understanding and support within our community. This initiative reinforced the importance of solidarity and using our voices to advocate for mental wellness. #CreateConnectCare inspires me to continue making a positive impact.
I believe students should participate in CreateConnectCare because we can contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health while also gaining valuable insights into our own emotions and experiences. Additionally, #CreateConnectCare offers an opportunity to connect with peers who may share similar struggles. It’s so important to build a supportive network and nurture empathy for ourselves and our peers. By joining this initiative, students can only make a positive impact and become advocates for mental wellness, contributing to a more compassionate and understanding school environment.
As a student, I've found that being creative to promote mental well-being has significantly improved my mood. Engaging in activities like #CreateConnectCare has given me a constructive outlet to express my thoughts and emotions, providing clarity and solace during challenging times. Witnessing the positive impact of my creativity within our community has been incredibly fulfilling and has boosted my sense of purpose and happiness. I encourage other youth to give it a try because creativity has the power to uplift, inspire, and heal. #CreateConnectCare helped make our classroom a safe space for self-expression and connection with others."
