Inspired learning comes through inspired teaching. In my classroom I strive to bring creativity and excitement to my lessons. I challenge students to look at ideas from a different perspective and try something new. Students learn it is okay to get something wrong as long as you learn from your mistakes. Inspired learners become creative thinkers.
This lesson used the iconic Ticonderoga pencil to teach elementary students about their global footprint. Although an item may say 'Made in America' the component parts come from all over the world, as seen in this slide.
In a middle school poetry unit I used a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate how Shakespeare is used in modern books and movies. Many students were surprised to learn they already knew so many of his works. The students then became wordsmiths by creating their own nonsense poems.
In order to teach high school students about different genres I created a book tasting café. This program helped them to explore subjects they might not normally read and gave them a quick opportunity to try something new.
Not only do students learn best when they are taught creatively; so do teachers. I did a presentation to my fellow teachers advocating the use of virtual reality in the classroom. The presentation can be viewed here: Virtual Reality in the Classroom