Have you read this book? Little Bets by Peter Sims came out this year by Simon and Schuster. Sims studied highly creative people and companies to learn about their innovation and thinking processes, people such as Steve Jobs, Frank Gehry, and Chris Rock, and companies like Pixar. While the book is helpful for business people [...]
Underachievement
Have you ever wondered why bright children sometimes perform poorly in school? The notion of gifted underachievement has been going on for centuries. Just think of Albert Einstein, whose teachers thought him to be “slow,” and Thomas Edison who was told he was too stupid to learn. If you have a child whose abilities [...]
Our Response to “Why Making Creative Schools Requires Radical Change”
Yesterday, GOOD Education posted a thought-provoking article that quotes Sir Ken Robinson, one of our favorite thinkers in education these days. In short, Sir Ken discussed that certain educators hope that he will recommend a “creativity hour” that would provide the creative and critical thinking students need during lunch or at the end of the school [...]
Welcome Back!
We are so excited to be up and rolling with Ignite fall classes! For weeks, we have heard from many people asking, “When is Ignite starting? My child can’t wait!” So far this week, there has been: paperfolding/cutting/math magic in Advanced Origami and Paper Arts (grades 3-6); delving into stories and learning to purchase supplies with [...]
CuteMonster for Dads
Recently I was contacted by Vincent Daly, editor of CuteMonster.com, a blog with information and resources to support dads, especially those who are the main caretakers of their children. He wanted to republish on his site my article from Byrdseed.com about using literature to engage primary students. Here’s the link if you’d like to take [...]
Inventing the Future of Education at Ignite
“The simple question “What if . . .” has the power to change our world. Provocative, inspiring and seemingly impossible questions are being asked by today’s scientists, engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. “The thrill of discovery, passion for new ideas and optimism for the future helps these innovators overcome the challenges they face as they take [...]
Creative Improv!
In the Creative Improv Summer Spark, taught by Sarah Hodges, students were challenged to venture out of their comfort zone and explore improvisation through acting, dance, music, art, writing, and more. What was best about this class was the willingness of the students to support and nurture each other’s growth through the process of learning [...]
OVKP Article Published in OVN!
Did you see the Wednesday, July 20 edition of the Ojai Valley News? There’s also a photo of OVKP reporters during their tour of the OVN with managing editor Misty Volaski. If not, click the link below to see Jimmy’s article on rockets re-published from the Ojai Valley Kids’ Press in the Ojai Valley News. [...]
Geocaching Experts
Compass directions, latitude and longitude, global positioning systems. These were just a few of the concepts and tools geocaching summer spark students had to use to find the swag tucked and hidden all over Ojai. They participated in games, challenges, hunts, finding buried treasure in the nooks and crannies of Ojai. They then posted coordinates [...]
Ojai Valley Kids’ Press – Precursor to Ignite
Founded in 2008, the third issue of Ojai Valley Kids’ Press was published last Friday after a week of interviewing, writing, and photographing by OVKP reporters enrolled in the Ignite summer session of the same name. Ignite was transformed into a newsroom and students wore their press credentials each day as they learned the ins and outs [...]
Connect With Us
-
Creative Improv!
- Welcome Back!
- CuteMonster for Dads
- Teaching with Literature in the Primary Grades
- Ignite Teacher Sarah Hodges Mentioned in LA Times
- Book Review: Little Bets by Peter Sims
- Underachievement
- Our Response to “Why Making Creative Schools Requires Radical Change”
- Welcome Back!
- CuteMonster for Dads
Follow @IGNITEinOjai on Twitter