8/13/2019 4 Ways to Encourage Creativity in Children
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4 Ways to Encourage Creativity in Childrensource:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/14159-4-ways-to-encourage-creativity-in-children/
1. Recognize and Understand the Nature of CreativityAccording to
Papalia and Olds (1993), "Creativity is the ability to see things
in a new way, to see problems that no one else may even realize
exist, and then come up with new, unique and effective solutions to
these problems. Standard intelligence tests measure convergent
thinking--the ability to come up with a single correct answer. But
creativity involves divergent thinking--the ability to come up with
new and unusual answers." Therefore, parents and teachers must
strive to help children reach their creative potential, especially
when academic performance appears lacking.
Unfortunately, educators sometimes mistake creativity for
rebelliousness or stupidity, and then work to diminish these
qualities by rejecting the usefulness ofcreative expression and
focusing instead on scholastic aptitude. Worthington &
Carruthers (2003) emphasize the danger of this mentality by
pointing out that continued repression of children's creativity
actually diminishes their capacity to be creative. Signs of
impaired divergent thinking skills generally appear as early as the
fourth grade.
The key to helping creative kids achieve their potential lies in
understanding them. Young children explore, communicate and share
ideas through unified affecti
ve and cognitive expressions. In other words, they operate by
feeling what theythink and thinking what they feel. The traits they
display as a result of this unity include acceptance of disorder,
vigorous disagreements with others, attraction to mysteries or
puzzles, courageous risk-taking, playfulness, emotional sensitivity
and perfectionism. Other important cues to watch for are curiosity,
flexibility, originality and insight.Kids Snacks 100s Of Fun
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EnvironmentProvide an appropriate space for youths to stretch their
intellectual muscles. This area should primarily focus on
stimulation. Fill the child s bedroom or classroom with a variety
of games, books, textures, colors and interactive fixtures. O
nce this is accomplished, educators can encourage the child to
explore the world, and then assist him with creatively processing
each new discovery.
Two crucial aspects of an effective environment are space and
climate. Provide the child with his own personal work space where
he can leave unfinished tasks for completion another day, if
necessary. Lighting should be soft and natural. Desks and chairs
should be colorful and child-sized. Furthermore, examples of the
child s creative works should be prominently displayed on the room
s walls and furnishings. Showcasing the work of other children or
even major artists is also important for sparking imaginative
expression. Climate addresses the atmosphere of the environment and
is more psychological in nature. Teachers who foster a creative
environment are encouraging, accepting of mistakes, quick to praise
innovation and tolerant of noise or messes.
3. Emphasize the Importance of Art and SpontaneityCreativity is
heightened whenever a child experiences an intense or arousing
encounter with something new in her world. Educational television
shows or movies,field trips and real-life observations of objects,
plants and animals all serveas springboards for creative
expression.
Sharp (2001) found that creative arts serve to enhance children
s listening, problem solving, critical reading and writing skills.
In addition, the arts engage children s kinesthetic and cognitive
experiences, amplifying concrete as well as abstract learning
abilities. Tacker and Tracey (1998) report that music education
i
