We hear the term often. . .living off “the grid,” for example. In a painting class at Davidson College as a sophomore, the first comment from professor Herb Jackson was, “you like grids.” Well, I suppose I do like grids because of the structure they offer for organizing stimuli.
Many would probably think, “isn’t the essence of creativity not having a structure?” And to that I would offer, no. Structure is needed for creativity, but it has to be of a type that comes about naturally. . .that is, often the grid can only be seen after the creative effort, such as in my painting.
For practical resourcefulness and inspiring creativity in learning approaches (which is the purpose of this blog), I offer up that every time a page of stickers or labels is used, leaving behind an adhesive page divided into grids, that a teacher or project leader transfer that adhesive page (carefully, it can be tricky) onto a page of cardstock (preferably upcycled from signage at your local department store). Peel off the adhesive and lay it on its non-sticky side on a table; then press the card stock (back side down), onto it. Voila. . .a grid for learners to organize project ideas or brainstorms. A free resource!
