I write a LOT about creativity—including why it matters, how to strengthen it, and what parents and teachers can do to encourage children’s and teens’ creative expression. People often ask me how I became involved in studying, focusing on, and teaching creativity.
Here’s my answer.
I believe everyone has the potential to be creative. Those who become more creative than others choose to be so, and they’ve learned to be so. It’s important to encourage people to choose wisely and to learn avidly. I try to model that.
I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing. (In fact, I’m working on an exciting new book project!) I’m also very curious, asking questions and seeking fresh perspectives. As a classroom teacher for many years, I found that creativity inevitably invigorated my work with kids and with colleagues, and motivated them to be creative, too. When I worked at The University of Toronto, teaching foundations of learning and development to prospective teachers, I explained and demonstrated how and why the best classroom dynamics arose from initiatives that tapped the imagination and invited free-wheeling ideas.
Creativity can be fortified and shared in classrooms, homes, playgrounds, and communities, in the course of people’s activities and interactions, over the short term, and over the long haul—today, tomorrow, and beyond.
HOW TO HELP KIDS MAXIMIZE CREATIVITY
“Families that create together, grow stronger together!”
(Ignite Your Ideas, p. 67)
As the school year unfolds, and seasons transition, creativity can empower everyone—and everything, including assignments, presentations, celebrations, and daily experiences. Here are six creativity-related tips families can use now, and refer to often.
1) Inquire. The more you learn, the more you can build upon that knowledge, and infuse it into your creative efforts. Seek information from different sources, share ideas with others, and embrace curiosity.
2) Pivot. Take a chance and go in new or uncharted directions. Explore resources across different subject areas, and try various kinds of creative outlets. Invest in exploration, and revision. Juggle ideas. Be willing to extend the status quo.
3) Think of creativity as a fuel. Let it ignite the imagination, and spark ways of moving forward. Be receptive of it, so it can warm the soul and brighten the day.
4) Amplify the fun. Play is a great outlet for creative expression. Make opportunities for enjoyment and spontaneity.
5) Find the purpose. Creative pursuits gain strength and momentum when activities are perceived as being meaningful. Purpose is motivating.
6) Use all the senses. Sharpen them. Sounds, sights, smells, or tastes can trigger creative ideas. (You never know when that might occur).
LAST WORDS
Creativity can have a positive impact upon—and even catapult—how individuals choose to express ideas, solve problems, and engage in collaborative endeavours. Creative energy can springboard accomplishments, and also help people embrace their uniqueness. Investing in creativity requires time, patience, and effort. However, those who appreciate a creative edge, and crack open doors to the imagination, reap joyful benefits—including increased learning possibilities and pleasure!
AUTHOR’S NOTE – I invite you to visit my BLOG page, and to check out the many pieces there, including Finding the Right Educational Fit for Your Child.
