Creative Genesis Community

Would You Rather Have Straight A’s or an Amazing Portfolio? If you had to choose between perfect grades or a portfolio full of real-world projects, which one would you pick? This question is at the heart of a fascinating conversation 12-year-old writer, investigator, and reporter Millie Smalley recently had with Kaelin Hooper—co-founder of Recess, a social learning platform for homeschoolers, and Ender, a startup designed to help kids build portfolios. Kaelin believes that portfolios might be more important than grades, and he has a lot to say about why showcasing what you can do is more valuable than a report card full of A’s. His take might surprise you! But what does Millie think? You’ll have to read her latest article to find out! Millie has been doing incredible work on her blog, interviewing interesting people and sharing thought-provoking ideas about education, creativity, and learning. If you haven’t checked out her writing yet, now’s the perfect time. What Do You Think? Do you think grades are the best way to show what you’ve learned, or would you rather have a portfolio that proves your skills? Have portfolios played a role in your own careers? Let’s talk in the comments! 👉 Read Millie’s article below.

Two of our incredibly talented Creative Genesis writers, Maddie & Ella, have just taken a huge step in their creative journeys. Introducing The Recess Rundown Podcast! Maddie and Ella are not only brilliant storytellers but also unstoppable forces of creativity and curiosity. Their new podcast dives into all things Recess, Homeschooling, and their unique journey through Self-Directed Learning. Episode One is here, and their first guest is none other than Joan, a Montessori-trained teacher and father of three. They explore Joan’s educational philosophy, his role in keeping Recess thriving, and the magic that makes Recess such a special place. Don’t miss out—grab your headphones and join Maddie and Ella as they share their thoughtful conversations and big ideas: https://lnkd.in/edprVxRj Maddie and Ella, thank you for giving me permission to share your work: it is such high quality! Your Creative Genesis family is beyond proud of you! Your creativity and drive inspire all of us. Show these two some love by listening, sharing, liking, and supporting their incredible work on YouTube Kids!

In yesterday’s Writer’s Workshop, we explored a holiday writing prompt inspired by Icelandic folklore: the Yule Lads—13 mischievous pranksters who visit homes in the nights leading up to Christmas. 🎄 Rather than focusing on polished stories, we leaned into the magic of experimentation and ‘What If?’ thinking—a simple yet powerful question that can unlock incredible creativity. When we allow space for curiosity, wild possibilities emerge, and stories take on a life of their own. Here are a few ‘What If?’ questions that sparked incredible ideas: 🔹 What if this story took place in the future? The result? Robot Yule Lads, causing glitches and chaos in a futuristic city. 🔹 What if the story focused on just one Yule Lad? A single misfit Yule Lad became the hero of a heartfelt and imaginative tale. 🔹 What if there was a 14th Yule Lad? This unexpected addition led to stories about a forgotten Yule Lad who became Santa Claus—a reimagined origin of holiday magic. 🔹 What if the Yule Lads left Iceland? The writers took the tricksters on a journey to discover and interact with other cultural traditions around the world—meeting Lunar New Year dragons or Day of the Dead spirits. When we focus on play, experimentation, and ‘What If?’ questions, the pressure to produce fades, and imagination flourishes. How can you bring more ‘What If?’ thinking into your classroom, coaching session, or creative work? Could it be a tool to help others unlock ideas and embrace possibility? If you’re looking to try it out, here’s my Yule Lad writing prompt we used to get started: https://lnkd.in/eTC6BSKz Let me know—what’s a ‘What If?’ question you could ask your students, team, or yourself today? #creative #writingprompts #WhatIf #Teachingcreativity #studentengagement #writersworkshop #coachingtools

🌟 Is Your Child a Conscientious Blue Writer? 🌟 Thoughtful, detail-driven, and planners to the core—blue-energy writers bring precision and creativity together in unique ways. But their love for structure can sometimes stop them in their tracks. This guide is great for homeschooling parents, mentors, coaches and teachers! I dive into what motivates blue writers, the challenges they face, and how you can help them thrive—not just in writing but in life. Plus, I share real-life anecdotes about working with these incredible young storytellers and communicators! Remember: Every kid has a mix of styles, and understanding their tendencies and strengths can help you better support their growth and creativity. 🔗 Read now: https://lnkd.in/e4WDM-Bv

We are getting into the festive season at Writers' Workshop. Numerous requests have been made for prompts inspired by the winter holidays. So.. Imagine this: You receive an old, mysterious snow globe from your grandparents. Inside its delicate glass is a cozy winter village, alive with twinkling lights and snow-covered rooftops. But something’s not quite right—every night at midnight, the snow globe glows, and by morning, the villagers have moved. What story is the snow globe trying to tell you? Why do the villagers move each night? A curse? A legend? Or is this your wily Grandma's annual holiday prank? How would you imagine this story unfolding? https://lnkd.in/ePwcsJxZ New prompts each week in December!

Weekly Writing Prompt: Discover the Witch's Spellbook Prompt ✨ Imagine this: You’re walking home from school when your foot catches on a loose brick. Beneath it lies an ancient, mysterious book covered in dust and glowing faintly in the afternoon sun. As you pick it up, you realize this isn’t just any book—it’s a spellbook, once belonging to a powerful witch. But who is she? Why was the book hidden? And most importantly, what will you do now that it’s in your hands? https://lnkd.in/e6c8PMjw Where will your kid's imagination take them?

As our Writers’ Workshop grows, we’re welcoming more voices, ideas, and perspectives. To ensure everyone feels supported, respected, and inspired, we recently collaborated on creating a Group Agreement. This wasn’t just about setting rules—it was about giving our young writers a chance to shape the culture of their community. When kids are empowered to define what matters to them, the result is a space where creativity flourishes and everyone has a voice. Here’s what they came up with: 1️⃣ Have Fun and Make It Fun for Everyone – A reminder that joy is contagious when shared. 2️⃣ Be Kind, Friendly, and Supportive – Because creativity thrives in kindness. 3️⃣ Protect the Flow – Respect your own creative rhythm and others’. 4️⃣ Stay Curious and Ask Questions – Curiosity fuels great writing. 5️⃣ Focus on Ideas, Not People – It’s about making ideas stronger, not critiquing individuals. 6️⃣ Respect the Space – Honor the purpose of each space, like silence in the Flow Void. 7️⃣ Use Technology Responsibly – Tools can help creativity, but they need thoughtful use. 8️⃣ Encourage Sharing – Be brave to share and create room for others to share too. 9️⃣ Collaborate and Be Brave – Work with others but also challenge yourself to write boldly. 🔟 Honor Every Writer’s Journey – Every writer grows at their own pace, and that’s okay. When young writers have a say in their group's values, they gain ownership, confidence, and a deeper commitment to their craft. Do you use group agreements in your coaching, classroom or workshops? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Picture a majestic museum floating near the star HAT-P-6, an architectural and intellectual marvel that houses the universe's secrets within its boundless halls. Every exhibit is a portal to the lives of planets and stars, including our own Earth. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eVTQ8Wqj 🌌 Architectural Marvels: Envision the structure of this interstellar museum. Is it a radiant sphere interconnected by luminescent tunnels or a constellation of crystal platforms orbiting in harmony? Describe its grandeur, from the materials that shimmer against the backdrop of space to the innovative layout that categorizes the cosmos. 🛸 Curating the Cosmos: Dive into the organization of the museum. Are there wings dedicated to specific celestial entities or thematic sections that narrate the tales of planets through history and culture? Introduce us to the eclectic staff that brings this museum to life, from historians of the stars to alien guides with knowledge spanning galaxies. 🖼️ Windows to Worlds: Detail the crafting of each exhibit. How do you encapsulate the essence of Earth and juxtapose it with the wonders of distant planets or the mysteries of ancient stars? Incorporate interactive holograms, rare artifacts, and sensory experiences that invite visitors from across the universe to walk in the shoes of humanity and beyond. 🍽️ Cosmic Amenities: Imagine the unique amenities that cater to a universal audience. From a zero-gravity café where drinks mingle with stardust to a gift shop offering souvenirs from the edge of the universe, expand on the spaces that make the museum a haven for intergalactic travelers. 👽 Diverse Audiences: Picture the museum buzzing with life as beings of all forms explore its vastness. How do species with varying senses and perceptions interact with the exhibits? Envision the technology and creativity employed to make the universe's wonders accessible to all. If you're captivated by space's endless possibilities and the stories it holds, give us a thumbs up 👍 and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more prompts that stretch the boundaries of creativity and discovery! #creativity #writingprompts #helpwithwriting #worldbuilding #writersworkshop

Have you read the latest from "The Adventures of a Young Naturalist"? A MUST READ! "I’m 12 years old and recently passed the Harvard Mt. Everest Leadership Simulation, which 53% of Harvard Business School students fail. How? Read to find out!" https://lnkd.in/e9MUq7dT #creativity #leadership

Let's explore the world of opposites and antonyms and show you how to play the Surrealist Antonym Game. It's a fantastic way to expand your vocabulary, boost creativity, and blast with language. 🔹 How to Play: Start with a simple sentence and replace each word with an antonym; continue until your sentence no longer represents your first. It's like giving your sentence a delightful makeover with fancy new words. Don't be surprised if your sentence suddenly changes its meaning or becomes completely absurd. 🔹 Example Sentences: To get you started, here are 10 interesting sentences that you can use to play the Antonym Game: "The joyful children played in the lush park." "The mischievous kitten chased the elusive butterfly." "The ancient castle stood majestically on the hilltop." "The beautiful birds sang harmoniously in the tranquil forest." "The courageous knight embarked on a perilous quest." "The scrumptious aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen." "The shimmering stars adorned the midnight sky." "The colossal waves crashed against the rugged shoreline." "The magical fairy sprinkled sparkling dust on the enchanted garden." "The curious explorer discovered a hidden treasure in the mysterious cave." Get ready to giggle, marvel, and expand your vocabulary with these playful antonym transformations! https://lnkd.in/ew5pXxXq