Creative Thinking Toolbox for the Language Classroom

Dedication

Acknowledgements
Introduction

Chapter 1: Introducing the Creative Thinking Toolbox
What is Creativity in the Language Classroom?
How are Creativity, Language, and Culture Connected?
What is the Current State of Creativity in the Classroom?
Why Integrate Creative Thinking in the Classroom?
The Creative Thinking Toolbox
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 2: Fluency
Tools to Support Fluency

Tool #1: "Yes, and…"
Practicing "Yes, and…" in the Classroom
Tool #2: Brainstorming
Stop and Go Brainstorming
Other Brainstorming Techniques
Tool #3: Idea Quotas
Tool #4: Constraints
Assessing Fluency
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 3: Originality
Tools to Support Originality

Tool #1: Time Budgeting
Incubation
Time Limits
Time Pressure
Tool #2: SCAMPER
SCAMPER Example with Orange Juice
SCAMPER Example with a Paper Plate for Use in the Language Classroom
Tool #3: Synectics & Metaphorical Thinking
Tool #4: Force Fitting
Types of Force Fitting
Fixed Force Fitting
Lists Force Fitting
Assessing Originality
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 4: Elaboration
Tools to Support Elaboration

Tool #1: Observation
Eye of Monet
Visual Thinking Strategies
Tool #2: Storytelling
Storytelling to Engage and Build Relationships
Storytelling to Create and Analyze Stories
Tool #3: Initiation-Response-Feedback (IRF)
Tool #4: Visual-spatial Reasoning
Visual-spatial Skills when Learning Characters
Visual-spatial Skills when Working with Texts
Assessing Elaboration
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 5: Thoughtful Consideration
Tools to Support Thoughtful Consideration

Tool #1: Open-ended Questions
Webb's Depth of Knowledge
Intentional Planning for Equitable Engagement
Tool #2: Wait Time
Tool #3: Frame Student Responses
Nonverbal Framing
Written Framing
Verbal Framing
Tool #4: Slow Down
Support Asset-based Thinking
Opportunities for Social Justice
Assessing Thoughtful Consideration
Feedback Strategies to Encourage Thinking
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 6: Flexible Thinking
Tool to Support Flexible Thinking

Tool #1: 30 Circles
Tool #2: Overcoming Functional Fixedness
Tool #3: Multimodalities
Multimodal Approaches
Multimodalities and Multiliteracies
Tool #4: Cross Pollination
High-leverage Teaching Practices
Perspective Shifting
Assessing Flexible Thinking
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 7: Expression of Ideas
Tools to Support Expression of Ideas

Tool #1: Sentence Stems & Frames
Sentence Stems
Sentence Frames
Tool #2: Humor
Improv Icebreakers
Improvisation and Building on the Basics
Tool #3: Choice
Examples of Choice to Support Expression and Interpretation
Tool #4: Interactive Tasks
Collaborative Information Gaps
Collaborative Puzzles
Collaborative Games
Assessing Expression of Ideas
Supporting Oral Language Production
Supporting Written Language Production
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 8: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Creative Thinking
Strategies for Leveraging AI in the Classroom

Strategy #1: Prompt Engineering
WIN Framework
Strategy #2: Role Playing
Strategy #3: Visual Content Creator
Strategy #4: Collaborator
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 9: Conclusion: Tips for Maintaining your Creative Edge
Tips to Support your Creative Thinking Toolbox

Tip #1: Give Permission
Tip #2: Find your Why
Tip #3: Backward Design with Creativity in Mind
Tip #4: Stay Curious
An Example of Sparking Curiosity in the Classroom
Nourishing your Curiosity
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Biography

Anne Cummings Hlas is a professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she teaches all levels of Spanish and methods courses for language education pre-service teachers. Her research and interests revolve around creativity and language teaching. She has taught workshops related to creativity in the language classroom for over 10 years at the CARLA National Language Resource Center.