Unleashing creativity

A recent article in Newsweek decried the decline of creativity in America and discussed ideas of how to reverse course.

In general, early education and primary education in the United States has neglected to nurture creativity in children – this is way beyond a lack of art classes. True creativity is developed through experiential learning, a type of learning that not typically offered.

Chicago Commons and other early education pioneers in Chicago are working to reverse this trend by using the Reggio Emilia Approach to early learning. In the 1990s, Commons’ began working with the Reggio Emilia approach. The approach began in Italy in the 1950s in the town of Reggio Emilia while it was rebuilding after World War II. The approach is all about unleashing the natural creativity and knowledge possessed by children.

We are excited that this approach is growing right here in Chicago, there are several community organizations and schools now exploring this approach. And Chicago Commons is co-hosting a major public exhibit on the Reggio Approach in conjunction with Columbia College and City of Chicago. The exhibit runs through November 2010. More information on the exhibit can be found here and here.