Adam Grant's book, Originals, has some very thought-provoking information about innovation, incuding this tidbit:
Remarkably, there are studies showing that when children's stories emphasize original achievements, the next generation innovates more. In one study, psychologists tracked unique accomplishments in American children's stories from 1800 to 1950. After original achievement themes in American children's books rose by 66 percent frpm 1810 10 1850, the patent rate shot up sevenfold from 1850 to 1890. Chrildren's books reflected the values popular at the time, but also helped to nurture those values: When stories emphasized original achievement, patent rates typically soared twenty to forty years later.... Unlike biographies, in fictional stories, characters can perform actions that have never been accomplished before, making the impossible seem possible. (p. 173).
What books do your children or the kids in your class like to read? Don't underestimate the power of storytime!
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