Researching Children Researching the World: 5X5X5=creativity

Children are born equipped with creative capacities: the drive to explore, to hypothesize, to make connections and to communicate. 5x5x5=creativity is discovering how this creative potential can be supported in children’s and adults’ lives, in educational settings and in their homes. This arts-based research project sees creativity as a life-wide capacity that affects all aspects of children’s development.

5x5x5=creativity originally involved five educational settings, five artists and five cultural centers (galleries, theatres, music centers) working in dynamic, multi-professional and researchful partnerships to support young children’s creativity. Although influenced by the creative educational approach of early years’ settings in Reggio Emilia in Italy, it has developed it own identity. This book shares the discoveries over seven years’ experience in over 55 schools and preschools in five local authorities. This account of the process that has proved so successful will whet the appetites of others. The book aims to inspire and transform personal and professional practice.

Visually exciting, multi-layered and rich in information, the book considers: the philosophical framework, based on valuing children as competent creative learners; the context and history of the approach; case studies and adults’ and children’s stories of transformative learning; the practical framework of the collaborative researchful practice; and integrated working in partnerships.

There is a dearth of material for artists working in educational settings and this book offers valuable information to museums, galleries, and theatres. Artists and educators also contribute chapters.

Mary Fawcett

Penny Hay