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.
"In Practical Creativity, teachers will find a variety of engaging activities to expand the repertoire of their lesson plans. Clear descriptions are accompanied by detailed images. It is sure to be the resource you reach for to increase student target language production in all levels!"
Pamela Larson, North High School
"Practical Creativity: Activities and Ideas for Your Language Classroom is full of great ideas to make the language classroom a creative space! Based in research and with attention to practicality, the book is for all language teachers and learners at all levels who want to foster creativity in their teaching and learning."
Susan Hildebrandt, Illinois State University
"I enjoyed Practical Creativity and feel it is a must-read for all Language teachers. Cummings Hlas does an amazing job presenting activities and ideas with concrete examples that truly promote creativity. The book has, and will continue to, inspire me to modify my own teaching and activities to be more creative every day."
Trisha Koch, Middleton High School
"If you want an excellent resource for including engaging and purposeful activities in your classroom, this is the book for you! It combines creativity and rigor for a wide range of age and ability levels. A must have!"
Ally Fregoso, Milwaukee College Preparatory School
