THE CREATIVE MODE OF BEING

Because of misperceptions about the nature of creativity, many creativ e children are misunderstood in and out. of their classrooms. Based on a close association with creative adults and childrenn, the authors p ostulate that creativity is a state of being that is challenged by the socialization process in Western civilization. The authors envisage t wo differing states of being namely, an essential and a conventional. These states represent end paints on a continuum, Creative adults spea k of their struggle to try and regain something of their original stat e of being, Understanding creative children who are closer to the esse ntial state is important For their emotional well-being and the nurtur ing of their creativity.