Across the World, Experts Advocate for Creativity in Children’S Learning and Development

Across the world, experts advocate for creativity in children’s learning and development. But creativity is not just visual arts or music in the curriculum. Creativity is an attitude, a reason for being. To celebrate this mindset, Big Fat Smile presents a unique event to challenge thinking, lift spirits and open minds to the power of real engagement. IT’S A CONFERENCE 2013 Bravery in Learning. The Don’t Fix Me, Fusing Technology and Essential Nutrients For Success I’m Not Broken The Art of Storytelling Journalist and Presenter Writer, Candlebark School Founder and Principal Author Writer, Director, Author and Digital Director Annabel Crabb has worked extensively in the media and is contributor A love of reading and a love of writing, and an interest in young people and Lincoln P Jones, 17 is passionate about writing and, as well as short stories, As a digital director, Galvin Scott Davis has created the #1 Top Lifestyle to major print publications, public talks and television and radio. She is education, have underpinned John Marsden’s life. He has now written he is working on several scripts for movies and a television series. He thinks App, #1 Business App, #1 Kids Games and #1 Book App on the app store in a regular panelist on the Insiders, Network Ten’s Good News Week , the more than 40 books with around 5 million books sold in Australia alone. stories set in the ‘here and now’ are far too predictable. Australia. He is also a film director, a writer and for many years - an actor. ABC’s Q&A, Gruen Nation and Andrew Denton’s Randling. In 2012, An- In short, he knows a thing or two about how children think as well as their nabel hosted her own TV program Kitchen Cabinet, an informal interview innate interests and motivations. Lincoln’s first book “Don’t fix me, I’m not broken” is a collection of short Fusing animation, live action, interactivity and ‘old fashioned’ books - program with Australian politicians over a meal prepared by both Crabb stories published this year. He wrote this book because he wanted people Galvin Scott Davis is a story creator with a difference. and her guests. Annabel is very active as @annabelcrabb on Twitter, a John’s passionate interest in education has continued throughout his to know that autistic people can be just as creative as everyone else. platform she uses to talk about politics, find new friends and locate exotic career and in 2006 he opened his own alternative school, Candlebark. His project Dandelion acknowledges children’s negative emotions while ingredients. He is still its principal today. Lincoln recently discovered his own exceptional operatic voice and an promoting a powerful shift in perspective through art and beauty. His work ability to learn complex operatic material much faster than some of celebrates bravery in approach. his contemporaries. His unique singing voice was not discovered by his teachers despite his ongoing attendance at a performing arts high school. A GREAT LINE UP OF GUEST SPEAKERS... Dance Play: Exploring Meaning Making Harnessing The Healing Power of Creativity Senior Lecturer, Director of the ELC and Children’s Art Gallery Founder Being Right The First Time Jan Deans is a long time advocate for the development of innovative and Executive Director, CEO and KidsXpress Founder Doesn’t Lead To Greatness exemplary early childhood pedagogy and is particularly committed to Professor and Director CHI children’s expressive learning through the arts. Her research interests Margo Ward is the heart and passion behind a unique social impact program that is committed to transforming, the life of every child affected Artistic Director of the Sydney Symphony include learning through dance, social emotional competence and art and Professor Sandra Jones is the Director of the Centre for Health Initiatives, ‘story’ as a vehicle for cross-cultural learning. a Research Strength at the University of Wollongong. Most importantly of by trauma through leading expressive therapy. She believes that creativity Education Program and renowned Conductor all, Sandra is the very proud mother of Lincoln. She has spent many years can provide a powerful outlet for self-expression and healing. When advocating for her son’s acceptance as well as a clearer way for her son to creative modalities are combined with therapy for children who have Richard Gill, OAM, is one of Australia’s pre-eminent and most admired Jan’s ongoing PhD research investigates the lived experience of a group fulfill his quite obvious potential. experienced trauma, the results can be astounding. conductors and is internationally respected as a music educator. Richard of four and five year old children who participated in a year-long dance is Founding Music Director and Conductor Emeritus of Victorian Opera, program that was designed to promote active thinking, social engagement Consequently, Sandra sometimes finds ‘neurotypical’ educators and their The therapists at KidsXpress use a unique combination of expressive and previously Artistic Director of OzOpera, Artistic Director and Chief and expressive learning. It shows dance as a powerful form of human agency that supports young children’s capacity to communicate thoughts, teaching perspectives frustrating. therapies to harness the healing potential of creativity. Working with Conductor of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and the Adviser for the children aged 4-14 who have been through traumas such as abuse, Musica Viva In Schools program. feelings and emotions while also pinpointing the important role that the adult plays in facilitation. neglect, domestic violence and severe grief & loss issues, KidsXpress’ expressive therapy program assists kids to process their emotions safely Richard founded the Babies Proms (for children 0–5 and their families) at through drama, art and music. The program’s outcomes celebrate the Sydney Opera House more than 30 years ago and today he still advocates transformative powers of creativity. Margo’s work focuses on helping for every child’s right to explore their own creativity in music, given the right children cope with their realities, build resilience and ultimately grow direction. He believes educators working with children need to be brave through their traumatic experiences. enough to let children experiment. Remember the excitement of the.

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