“Zing! is a wonderful book that encourages others to be creative by sharing what has worked for Pat Mora in all of her creative efforts.”

—Camila A. Alire, Dean Emeritus University of New Mexico

In a series of letters to teachers written with her signature poetic grace, Pat Mora gently reminds us of the potential in ourselves and our students.”

—Lee Galda, Professor University of Minnesota

In this era of mandates, accountability and adherence to canned curricula, Mora reminds us that great educators are fueled by passion and creativity.”

—Gary Bloom, Superintendent Santa Cruz City Schools, Soquel, CA

Cultivate your own creativity and the creative potential of all your students!

Zing! Seven Creativity Practices for Educators and Students is a beautifully written guide that offers seven powerful practices for personal creativity and professional inventiveness. For each of the seven practices, author Pat Mora proposes seven symbols and presents parallel exercises for teachers and students. Evocatively written in the form of letters to teachers and librarians, this book:

Helps educators access their creative selves and, in the process, become better teachers; Nurtures students in expressing themselves through writing and other creative pursuits; Includes activities at the end of each chapter

This moving and inspirational volume serves as a reminder that inventive teaching is truly an art form that enriches lives and transforms teachers and students.

You can watch Pat Mora speak about honoring educators, the importance of reflection, and writing letters to educators all as ways to improve teaching practice through creativity.

Pat Mora was named one of the “Fifty Most Inspiring Authors in the World” by Poets & Writers magazine. Click here to see the full list.

Revise

Revise

Dear Teacher

Plane flights allow me to practice quiet, to let my imagination fly along with the plane. I've always enjoyed looking for forms in clouds and these last years have looked for figures in the flames of our kiva fireplace. En route to El Paso some years ago, I discovered a new shapes game. Gazing down on the Chihuahua desert, I began discovering shapes on the landscape. It was great, private fun to spy sights amazing as the Olmec colossal heads from Veracruz. I saw imaginary prehistoric creatures like an elongated giraffe with six legs; and a skinny, skinny male figure resembling the work of one of my favorite sculptors, Giacometti. The landscape invites my attention.

I enjoyed the comments of Easterners on the flight ...

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