This volume underlines the relevance of an empirical, data-based and scientifically informed approach to the teaching of a second or foreign language, even though the contributions gathered here carry out this task through very different means and with various theoretical underpinnings. This is evident especially in the different and versatile perspectives on academic issues in the linguistic and methodological sections of the volume. The contributions here are assembled according to their disciplinary categories of linguistics, methodology of teaching English, and cultural and literary studies.

This volume underlines the relevance of an empirical, data-based and scientifically informed approach to the teaching of a second or foreign language, even though the contributions gathered here carry out this task through very different means and with various theoretical underpinnings. This is evident especially in the different and versatile perspectives on academic issues in the linguistic and methodological sections of the volume. The contributions here are assembled according to their disciplinary categories of linguistics, methodology of teaching English, and cultural and literary studies.

Current, comprehensive, and authoritative, this text gives language teachers and researchers, both a set of conceptual tools with which to think and talk about creativity in language teaching and a wealth of practical advice about principles and practices that can be applied to making their lessons more creative. Providing an overview of the nature of creativity and its role in second language education, it brings together twenty prominent language teachers and researchers with expertise in different aspects of creativity and teaching contexts to present a range of theories on both creative processes and how these processes lead to creative practices in language teaching. Unique in the field, the book takes a broader and more critical look at the notion of creativity in language learning, exploring its linguistic, cognitive, sociocultural and pedagogic dimensions. Structured in four sections— theoretical perspectives, creativity in the classroom, creativity in the curriculum, and creativity in teacher development—each chapter is supplemented by Questions for Discussion and Suggestions for Further Research. Its accessible style makes the book relevant as both a course text and a resource for practicing teachers.

In this age of standardization, many English teachers are unsure about how to incorporate creative writing and thinking into their classroom. In a fresh new voice, Luke Reynolds emphasizes that “creativity in our lives as teachers and in the lives of our students is one of our most vital needs in the 21st century.” Based on his own journey as an English teacher, A Call to Creativity is a practical guide that shows teachers how they can encourage and support students’ creativity in the English/language arts classroom. The book offers both the inspiration and practical steps teachers need to engage their students through a variety of hands-on projects and worksheets that can be used immediately to insert creativity into any standards-based curriculum. Book Features: Adaptable projects tested in diverse school environments.Guiding questions at the end of each chapter.Lesson plans for creative writing assignments.Over 30 pages of worksheets and sample assignments. Luke Reynolds has taught 7th- through 12th-grade English in Massachusetts and Connecticut public schools, as well as composition at Northern Arizona University. He is co-editor of the bestselling book Burned In: Fueling the Fire to Teach. “This book puts wheels on high ideals in a way that can move us toward the kind of education our students deserve and our best teachers desire.” —Parker J. Palmer, bestselling author “This book sounds a hopeful note in the current era of teaching. . . . It shows us we can still be passionate and practical, creative and collaborative at a time when too many feel it is impossible.” —From the Foreword by Jim Burke, author of The English Teacher’s Companion “I can’t think of a more important topic or a more inspired treatment of it than this book. I’m not just recommending this book, I can’t wait to teach it and use it myself. Bravo, Luke Reynolds! Viva, Creativity!” —Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Boise State University, author of “You Gotta Be The Book”, Second Edition “Every chapter in A Call to Creativity is a real gem! Using humor and his gift as a storyteller, Luke Reynolds shows teachers not only how creativity can be woven through standards-based curricula, but why it is essential to do so.” —Christine Sleeter, professor emerita, California State University, Monterey Bay, co-editor of Teaching with Vision “Luke Reynolds provides a purposeful framework to help teachers transform the fundamental elements of contemporary practice into classroom experiences that awaken students’ creativity, passion, and energy.” —Sam Intrator, professor of education and the program in urban studies, Smith College “This marvelous new book by Luke Reynolds shows how passionate teaching is lit by soul and vulnerability, knowledge of self on the part of the teacher, and a willingness to explore what can really happen in a classroom if you challenge students to engage their muscular and creative minds.” —Kirsten Olson, Institute for Democratic Education in America (IDEA), author of Wounded by School

This book offers a unique perspective on creativity in an educational environment where there is a relative dearth of literature on this subject. The authors link practice and principle to provide a practical and valuable guide for more creative language learning and teaching, using not only theoretical ideas but useful practical advice and recommendations on how better to introduce creativity into teaching and daily life. This innovative volume is sure to become a crucial reference point for teachers and practitioners of language teaching, and anyone interested in the ways in which creativity can be channelled into the teaching and learning process.

This clear yet authoritative book affirms the vital role of creativity in writing and considers and encourages flexible, innovative practices in teaching. Importantly, the book reflects upon teachers' imaginative and artistic involvement in the writing process as role models, collaborators, artists, and as writers themselves. Arguing that children's creative use of language is key to the development of language and literacy skills, this book focuses on the composition process and how children can express their own ideas. In addition, the authors consider the many forms of creative language that influence the inner and outer voice of children, including reading, investigating, talking and engaging in a range of inspiring activities. Illustrated throughout with many examples of children's writing and drawing, this book also provides suggestions for classroom activities and is a source of inspiration and practical guidance for any teacher looking to deepen their understanding of literacy theory and practice.

This book borrows from a range of theories about creativity and about learning, while remaining largely practical in focus. It contains numerous examples for teachers of how to apply ideas about creativity in the classroom. In doing so, it attempts to maintain the subject's core identity while also keeping abreast of contemporary social, pedagogical and technological developments. The result is a refreshing challenge to some of the more mundane approaches to English teaching on offer in an age focussed excessively on standardisation and teaching to tests.