Making School and Life Better With Just One Question

By Kathryn P. Haydon

A few months ago, I had the privilege of giving a TED (like) talk in front of a theater of creativity professionals in Buffalo. My talk is called Making School Better with Just One Question. Yes, that’s right–just one question. And it applies to work and family and other parts of life, too. I’ve shared the talk with about three people so far, and their feedback has been inspiring.

One New York Times best-selling children’s author wrote to me: “I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your video. I could be a compass plant! Nobody would have imagined what how or when I would blossom. I was a slower grower!”

An elementary school principal wrote, “I love your idea of using such a simple question to open up possibilities and slightly change the perspective, and I’ve already looked up Craft, Torrance, and Parnes to dig more deeply into your talk. I’m fascinated by their life work.”

It’s exciting to me that this talk might provide inspiration for adults and students to better understand themselves, and for educators and employers to make simple tweaks that add depth to the daily grind. It’s also the very first video of me to be found online, ever, except for that time my sister posted me doing the Wi hula hoop when it first came out. (I really hope you haven’t seen that one.)

As you watch the video, you will see the gorgeous slides designed by my dear friend and colleague, graphic designer Jane Harvey. She helped the ideas in the talk come alive visually, along with the exquisite prairie photos by Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota.

To watch, just click on the video below. Enjoy, and please send me the ah-ha thoughts or inspirations you have while watching!