ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces two linked concepts: 'positive pedagogy' and the 'connecting curriculum'. Both terms involve an approach to education that places personal relevance plus intellectual, physical, psychological and social well-being at the centre of decisions. The chapter argues that creative and cross-curricular learning must relate closely and thoughtfully to the real everyday lives of the children and community. Such an approach generates and sustains positive attitudes toward the self and learning. It reviews the evidence on the relationships between connection making, creativity and well-being together with the suggestion that positive pedagogy can significantly increase the chances of constructive events and deep engagement in daily school life. Most teachers want their classrooms to be positive places. Stephen Scoffham and Jonathan Barnes coined the term 'positive pedagogy' to describe what an affirmative approach to building an environment for learning might be like.
