#OneWord2021: Creativity Bursts & Connections

In a world of shifting thoughts and temperaments, words play a significant role. They hold the power to create peace or disharmony, balance, or upheaval. At the beginning of a new year or new project, a single word becomes a focal point, intentionally centering our thoughts toward future growth. 

The one word phenomenon has influenced my life journey each year since 2014. It called to my muse and invited me to venture on a new path of living toward change. This year, my one word is begin. This simple word is the light shining my way to creativity bursts and creative connections with life. With begin as a guide, I will move to Virginia soon and write a new chapter in the story of life.

On January 14, 2021, Laura Grundler and Matt Grundler, moderators of #K12ArtChat asked me to guest host their Thursday night chat. Honored to work with these dynamic and creative educators again, I opened the discussion on one word for a new year with an invitation to gather in our creative space on Twitter and to reflect on our craft and practice. I created a series of questions that would assist the participants to create one word that would impact their personal and professional life.

When the chat ended, Matt Grundler posed a question for #SlowK12ArtChat that would run throughout the week. Reflaction (Reflection with Action) - What steps will you take to create a sanctuary of thought that blends art, technology, and literacy for yourself and others? Respondents began to share their thoughts using the hashtags #SlowK12ArtChat, @SchoolArts, and @AdobeForEdu. As promised, my reflaction blended art, technology, and poetry to create a collage of inspired words and art. Please join me at my One Word 2021 Sanctuary of Thought here. 

I invite anyone who has a one word 2021 to add your digital inspiration to the One Word Sanctuary of Thought padlet here.

"Creativity is contagious, pass it on!" -  Albert Einstein  

🎨

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. -Pablo Picasso

It's Slice of Life Tuesday.

I join the community of writers with gratitude to Two Writing Teachers for their sacred space.

Digital Expressions

Whew! I just learned about a new digital tool and of course, I decided to try it out. With any new resource it takes time to acquaint myself. A feeling of discomfort creeps up and then a quick thought. Should I continue or just resort to my old tools? Isn't this what our learners think as well? Do we provide choice and a safe surrounding for our learners to be risk-takers? Do we support them in their digilit journey?

In my case, I had models, tutorials, and a brief window of time to try out a new tool. I explored the resource, gathered my photos and artistic expressions, and went to work but I did not have anyone to lead me through the steps to create. I had to problem solve, revisit, and fumble through many rough drafts alone. The delete button was my friend. I would have been much happier if I had a live teacher in front of me guiding my way.

Here are the steps I took to create my first SWAY presentation, Summer Day Rhapsody. Clearly what I am showing is the first draft of a digital project. 

STEPS:
I gathered two ideas that I tweeted out during #Spiritchat this morning. 

I opened a few photos that I wanted to use.

 A serene sight at the South Hampton Winery

A beautiful sight from Cape May

An invitation

I got acquainted with the Sway dashboard
after reviewing some videos.

I created my first presentation with Sway. You can view Summer Day Rhapsody here. Click on the play button and scroll down. 

POST-CREATION:

After I created the above, I found a blog post with a video that would have been helpful before I began this new digital journey.

I asked for feedback from my husband. Of course, I would like thoughts by those who view this blog.

I resorted to a favorite tool, PicMonkey, to create a new digital expression.

ADVICE:

When sharing a new tool with learners make sure that you introduce a simplistic set of directions while keeping the enthusiasm high. Create collaborative groups to try out the new tool together. 

FINAL THOUGHT:

Digital expressions are wonderful mixes of art, design, technology, and literacy. Creating allows for voice to rise. Enjoy the process.

PLEASE VISIT:

DigiLit Sunday hosted by Margaret Simon where you find ideas on ways my colleagues explore the digital world. 




#reflect31 the brainchild of Laura Grundler where the artistic digital expressions are happening daily for 31 days. I am offering my blog post and video as part of Day 16's challenge, Transition and Metamorphosis. Original photographs and tweets were transformed into a digital expression and sent out with wings into the Twittersphere. 

#reflect31 Day 16