RIGHT OR WRONG – GOOD OR BAD – EITHER THIS OR THAT.  Our brains are constantly trying to make sense of this world and what we see. The most efficient solution is to place people, ourselves, or outcomes into one…

Children learn by watching and then mimicking what they see. This type of modeling is so natural that we hardly notice as the toddler follows parents and siblings all day doing what they do. Modeling is a good way to…

“Progress always involves risk. You can’t steal second base and keep one foot on first base.” -Journalist, Robert Quillen 

When high values are placed on achievement, there can form an intense desire for guaranteed success. With this growing desire for…

Values are those principles or standards that highlight what means the most to you out of all the optional ways of living among families. The beautiful thing about values is that they can be and will be passed down to…

We all love the idea that our family is writing its own story. What a beautiful picture it paints of unity and understanding of core values as well as collaboration and joy. And yet this family cohesion is made up…

Everyone loves a compliment. While in a bookstore recently, I overheard a child say, “Last year I was the top reader in my class.” Mom replied, “Are you the top reader this year?” The child, with honesty, responded, “I don’t…

People have an idea about whether they are creative or not. Some people have been trained in it, but that is a small number compared to those who have had creativity trained out of them. Don’t jump to the conclusion…

The Ordinary Artist

by Brenda Ellis

You may be wondering if the title of this article, The Ordinary Artist, is an error. Aren't all artists extraordinary? Isn't the gift or talent in itself a rare thing? Our world…

Pockets Full of Rocks and Looking Afresh

by Brenda Ellis

Today the art class headed outdoors to a nearby park where the objective was to draw from what we see, also called direct observation. While an adult may…

Creativity: It’s Not What You May Think  

by Ariel Holcomb

Many people understand creativity as a talent or gift that some people have and others just don’t.  

This is great, if you happen to be someone who…

Room for Creativity

by Brenda Ellis

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." 

- Mary Lou Cook

In the art room today I hung up a large reproduction by Henri Matisse featuring bright…