Deck 2: The Creative Teacher

Question 1

Which of these choices should not be included in the physical environment that contributes to creativity?

A)Adequate time and resources for the implementation of projects and activities.
B)Children's involvement in shaping the space and contributing to their community.
C)Choices for play and participation that are easily understood.
D)Few choices of activities, materials, or play opportunities.
E)All of the above.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Here is a list of materials that can be used in early childhood classrooms as children work on activities and projects.Indicate which items can be identified as open ended.
Chenille sticks Clay A variety of paper puzzles
Cardboard boxes Wood scraps Branches or leaves
Shinny fabric Paper rolls Foil
Coloring book pages Shells Color pencils

Answer 2

All items could be considered open-ended except coloring book pages and puzzles, which are designed to be completed in one way only.Although, it is interesting to note that some creative children will still do the prescribed pages and puzzles their own way.

Question 3

Characteristics of a creative teacher include all of the following except:

A)Willing to try new ideas.
B)Flexible in their thinking.
C)Not appreciative of beautiful things.
D)Concerned about children's feelings.
E)All of the above.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

During the creative process there are few opportunities to:

A)Try different ways of solving problems.
B)Collaborate with others.
C)Make mistakes and failures.
D)Develop a "perfect" product.
E)All of the above.

Question 5

How does a teacher use creativity every day?

A)Display beautiful arrangements of flowers or items from nature.
B)Developing interesting lessons.
C)Adding a new center.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.

Question 6

If the materials that children can use are easily accessible and clearly displayed they will:

A)Make independent choices and not have to wait for the teacher.
B)Be unable to determine what is available for their use.
C)Not stay focused on the teacher-directed task.
D)Mess up the materials and be wasteful.
E)All of the above.

Question 7

An early childhood teacher should design the day so there are opportunities for:

A)Child chosen and Group lead activities.
B)Teacher directed and Teacher controlled activities.
C)Teacher directed (lead) and Child directed (lead) activities.
D)Teacher lecturing and Children listening.
E)All of the above.

Question 8

Select the teacher comment, from the ones listed below, that is most likely to discourage creative ideas and new projects:

A)Good thinking (child's name)!
B)It's never been done that way.
C)Let's see how we can use it!
D)What a great possibility.
E)All of the above.

Question 9

Open-ended activities provide children opportunities to:

A)Do things in a predetermined way.
B)Choose materials and the ways they want to use them.
C)Come up with the same solution to a problem.
D)Develop the ability to try less challenging tasks in the future.
E)All of the above.

Question 10

Before a teacher can promote creativity in others he or she must:

A)Nurture her creativity abilities and interests.
B)Support traditional ideas that do not challenge thinking.
C)Be a musician, artist, or dancer.
D)Recognize that few people or children are creative.
E)All of the above.

Question 11

Describe how problem finding relates to the enhancement of creativity in an early childhood classroom.Include an example of a child or children identifying a problem and following this interest into an activity or project.

Question 12

Projects in the early childhood classroom allow children to:

A)Observe, record ideas, and draw conclusions.
B)Find the correct way to solve a specific problem.
C)Be persistent on long-term initiatives.
D)Both A and C.

Question 13

What is one of the most important elements in the development of a classroom that nurtures creativity?

A)Sufficient funds to purchase a wide variety of materials.
B)A teacher who understands that including the arts is essential.
C)A curriculum that includes the arts several days a weeks.
D)Inspiring young children to try unique projects.
E)All of the above.

Question 14

Both the children and teacher benefit from a classroom environment that is:

A)Predictable and the same every day.
B)Disorganized and filled with clutter.
C)Exciting and adventurous where new things are tried.
D)Designed around strategies that do not vary or change based on children's interests.
E)All of the above.

Question 15

There are many ways that young children can develop creative thinking in the classroom.Which way is included?

A)Telling and retelling a story.
B)Painting a mural with a group of children.
C)Building a structure out of cardboard blocks.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.

Question 16

Trostle and Yawkey identified seven specific strategies that teachers can use to nurture creative thinking.Which of these are not included?

A)Talking with children while working on projects to help extend their thinking.
B)Providing sufficient time for investigation and exploration of materials.
C)Serve as a model that is not playful or inventive.
D)Adding novel objects and materials to the activities.
E)All of the above.

Question 17

Displays in the classroom indicate what the children are doing in this space and what is valued.How should the children's work be displayed?

A)With frames, mats, and other interesting materials to vary the presentation.
B)At a level on the wall that can be enjoyed by both children and parents.
C)In an interesting and attractive way.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.