Visual Thinking, Creativity, and Problem Solving

Visual thinking, imagery, and imagination have long been recognized as key aspects of creative thinking and creative giftedness – in both the arts and sciences. Visual thinking is essential to imagination, design, problem solving, and invention. In this session, we explore strategies, activities, and projects that serve to integrate visual thinking, imagination, and creativity across the curriculum for students in grades K-8.

Dr. Susan Daniels is a professor, an author, a consultant, and an educational director of a psycho-educational center that specializes in the needs of gifted, creative, and twice-exceptional children. She has been a professional development specialist for over twenty years, regularly providing workshops and training on creativity, the social and emotional needs of gifted children, and visual learning and teaching. Susan is co-author of Raising Creative Kids and co-editor and co-author of Living with Intensity. Her latest book, Visual Teaching and Learning: An Essential Guide for Educators K-8 was released in August, 2018, and it is a comprehensive guide to visual learning strategies and activities for the 21st century classroom. Susan is co-founder and director of Camp Summit for the Gifted where she teaches creative arts with an emphasis on mixed media and self-expression. She enjoys working with mixed media and simple line drawings in her own visual journals. Susan lives in Berkeley, California.