Educator Teaches Kids To Use Creativity In Learning

Take a look at Barbara Norton’s classroom, and you’ll see the Riverside Elementary first grade teacher does not think conventionally.

It appears that the decor is the result of a collaboration of Dr. Suess and Eddie Munster.

A stuffed cougar named Clarence lurks near a case of manically happy Teddy bears. Seamore the finch chirps at a bulletin board appropriately named “Scary skulls.”

“Seamore likes kids,” said Kelsey Johnson, 6.

The creative chaos has a point, says Norton.

Some kids are focused learners who thrive in the usual environment that emphasizes books and chalkboards.

But most, she said, are a bit more eclectic, like herself. They learn best through a creative outlet, be it dance, music, art.

So Norton’s project on Indians included dance lessons from Wellpinit Native Americans, and instruction in cooking and making Lummi sticks and medicine bags. The bags, of course, were colorfully decorated.

“We learned a lot about Indians. They got food and everything from pilgrims,” said Eva Liberty, 6.

“I like the food,” she said.

A section on animals had students learning songs about spiders. And then they learned the words in sign language. Norton found a mounted bat for one lesson.

“It’s a vampire bat, but doesn’t suck people’s blood,” said Courtney Lacey, 6.

“Kids have always wanted to dance, twirl, sing, create,” said Norton. “Then they come to school, we put them in a desk and tell them to read.”

Some love it. “I’m in fourth grade reading,” said Mark Shurtz, 6. Several former students return to volunteer as teaching assistants.

Other, more traditional students, are encouraged to think creatively. “As long as they try, I tell them it’s great,” said Norton.

Norton says she has always taught with art, and once illustrated a book. The school recently commissioned her to paint murals.

In one, a boy encourages a girl. “Wow, that’s really good,” the mural says. “When you feel proud, show the world,” it tells students.

She has become a local authority on a theory called “the seven intelligences,” which says students learn through seven methods.

The theory is gaining in popularity, and Norton was surprised and encouraged when she found a Massachusetts college taught art counseling courses through a satellite course in Spokane. She plans to get her Ph.D in the field.

“She’s the best teacher,” said Kendra Budik, 6.

Havermale has trophy case

Havermale Alternative School is showing off its athletic achievements in a trophy case made by Rogers High’s James Carson.

Havermale won a state basketball championship in the alternative school division, and placed in volleyball and softball.

Mead staging musical comedy

Mead High School is putting on a Ken Ludwig musical comedy, “Crazy for You,” Nov. 20-23.

A collaboration of music and theater programs, the production includes many George Gershwin songs as it winds through a plot full of crazy characters.

Among the student cast members are Jarod Frye, Julie Pritchard, Elizabeth Payton, Whitney Baird, Mark Walters and Spencer Grainger.

Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for students. Call Jim Brown or Dave Teal at 468-3050 for more information.

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MEMO: Education Notebook is a regular feature of the North Side Voice. If you have news about an interesting program or activity at a North Side school or about the achievements of North Side students, teachers or school staff, please let us know. Deadline is Monday. Write: Jonathan Martin, Education Notebook, North Side Voice, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. E-mail: jonathanm@spokesman.com. Call: 459-5484. Fax: 459-5482.