Tag: Michael McMillan

6-12, Creative Thinking, Education, Motivation, Teaching Tools, Videos

Paper Airplane Video

Terri Eichholz
image from: "Paper Airplane" by Michael McMillan
image from: “Paper Airplane” by Michael McMillan

I have posted before about “Pink Bat“, a book by Michael McMillan, as well as the accompanying video.  Recently, I came across another video by Mr. McMillan:  “Paper Airplane: A Lesson for Flying Outside the Box”.  This is a nostalgic look back to a time when innovation was embraced and putting a man on the moon was considered an achievement that could only be acquired by the utilizing the powerful combination of knowledge and creativity.  “Paper Airplane” shows how important it is to let go of our preconceived notions, and to allow our ideas to soar past imagined boundaries.

This is a great video for teachers and parents to watch.  Your students will also find it inspiring.  I do suggest that you preview it before showing it to kids, as there is one small part (a cartoon bare bottom) that some might consider objectionable, depending on your audience.

Here is the link, in case the embedded video below does not show:  http://youtu.be/QODh5s3XKJE

5-8, Books, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Education, Problem Solving, Teaching Tools

Pink Bat

Terri Eichholz

Pink Bat, by Michael McMillan, is an inspirational book that I just shared with my 5th graders.  The book is “about turning problems into solutions”.  In a charming story about a plastic red baseball bat that fades with time, the author teaches about the importance of trying to look at problems through a different lens.  Included with the book is a DVD of the author explaining his message.  You can also find that video here.  We were able to connect the story to another video that was recently brought to my attention through e-mail.  Ask your students to brainstorm their own “pink bats”, and share a few of yours!