A Sponge with a Long Swivel Handle and a Soap Dispenser

In elementary school I participated in an extracurricular group led by our principal. We studied different units, two of which my memory logged.

The first was a unit on NASA and space exploration. I remember we each got a NASA ID card. Yes, if I were to visit the Kennedy center then, I would've had top secret clearance due to this unit. Privy to satellite images known only to the President and his closest advisers. I could've advised, even.

That unit surrounded the lift-off of the Challenger--the first teacher in space. We gathered to watch it on live TV. It was one of those times in life when you first understand that everything doesn't happen as you hope and expect it to.

But really, I want to tell you about the second unit I remember--a unit on inventions. In it, we became inventors. The principal instructed us to first gather information. We asked family and friends questions like what do you hate doing most? what do you need assistance in? what could you use to help you out?

My grandmother told me she hated bending over to clean the tub.

I had an apostrophe (50 points for that movie reference). What if a sponge came with a long handle? And what if that handle was attached via swivel head to the sponge so that the sponge could turn as you made your way around the tub? And what if that handle were indeed a container for the soap with a quick release button by your finger? I sketched it out in a notebook my mom stored away (and I'm sure I threw away when she started unloading boxes on me).

Ten years later, I saw a commercial for a sponge with a long swivel handle. Then I saw another commercial for a sponge with soap in the handle.

Why do I tell you this other than to let you know that I'm the real (and unpaid) genius behind these products? To be honest, I'm not sure, except that I've been thinking a lot lately about how to foster creativity both in myself and in my growing family. I want to create an environment of creation.

My parents claim they don't know from whence my creativity came. What other family member writes stories or plays and composes music? Of course, I know the truth that creativity comes in many forms, not just in the official arts. (I also know that my dad played piano for years. He may not touch it much these days, but once upon a time, he treated us to concerts on the upright Yamaha. To this day, Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody is one of the few songs I can't snooze through in the mornings, and, in fact, I just realized I need to add this piece to my Baby Mix. And my mom is an expert crocheter--take a look at my sweaters, hats, and blankets for proof.) Despite their claims, they nurtured in me a love for the symphony, museum, and theatre when they themselves would rather be at a Phillies game (an event, for the record, I also love attending). They encouraged my writing and musical pursuits, though it meant sacrifice for them.

But what about when I was two or three? How did they foster discover and creativity then? Was there a secret in the wooden blocks? In Raggedy Ann and Andy's Please and Thank You book? In dancing around the dining room table to "Arky Arky" by Kid's Praise?

Or maybe it was purely the love and laughter that sprung from my parents' love of God (and his love of them).

More likely, though, I think it was the plaid couches and avocado kitchen table. That must have been it.

Heather A. Goodman still loves dancing around the house to Kid's Praise tunes. And any other tunes that have that dancing beat.

Comments

[Miz Melly]

It's amazing to watch a child's growing imagination. My little Gift acts out scenes from movies she's seen and has started to use imaginative play with her toys. It's so natural and I just want to encourage it.
Ah you made me smile with the memory of 'Arky Arky'. I was Charity Churchmouse once in our church's production of Kid's Praise 4!!! 'If you wanna be great in God's Kingdom, gotta a servant to all.....'

blessings on you, him and bump!
x melanie

[Heather]

Kid's Praise has a special place in my heart. I wonder if it contributed to the reason why I consider books as friends . . .

[Deidra]

YOU invented that?!?!?
Thank you so very much. ;)

[Madison Richards]

I heard a story once that a group surveyed a class full of kindergartners and asked how many of them were artists? They ALL raised their hands. By sixth grade when asked that same question, only 2 raised their hands.

I believe we all start out with a hunger toward creativity. Although we don't know it as children, it is how we connect to our creator, and it feels good and right. If encouraged, it will naturally become a part of our lives, and if not, the gift remains - (the gift being the ability to connect with Him) but it goes dormant.

I don't believe anyone when they say they aren't creative. Bu******. Like you said, creativity takes MANY forms - even math and scientific gifting is creativity, as are sports and cooking and as you pointed out - crocheting!

Most people are simply out of practice...

[K.M. Weiland]

The development of creativity is a fascinating subject. Where *do* we get these crazy genes (other than plaid and avocado color scenes, of course)? And how do we nurture this gift in the next generation? I don't have kids myself, but every once in a while I'll start thinking about an imaginary family and wondering how well I would able to guide children into a lifestyle that nurtures creativity. Ultimately, I think freedom of expression is one of the biggest catalysts of creativity. Being given the permission to be curious, to experiment, and to make mistakes gives our imaginations a wide world to play in.

[Heather]

Mostly, I'm looking forward to what my child will teach me, especially in the areas of creativity.

Deidra--you're welcome! ;)

[Patrycja]

In my opinion this is really interesting and informative article. I must admit that creativity plays a very important part in my life so that I am always looking for something what is unusual. I remember I once was in Italy and to my surprise in one of the most modern hotels in every bathroom was handmade soap dispenser, of course made by little children. They were not only beautiful so that they constituted a perfect decoration, but also really original and creative. Apart from that such soap dispensers were much more effective, practical and functional than an ordinary bar of soap due to the fact that it was not for instance slip out of hands while washing them :)