Creativity is
the ability to look at something in a new way. Where would the world be without creative thinkers? It takes courage and a strong sense of
self to step outside the box into a new territory.
Open Minded
Teachers – Teachers need to accept divergent thinking and keep a sense of
humor.
Assessment
Show and Tell – Challenge children to demonstrate what they have learned in
a creative way. They can sing a
song, dress up, cook something, make a mural, etc.
Kiss Your
Brain! An answer doesn’t have
to be correct. If children express
an original idea you can tell them to “kiss their brain” as you model kissing
your fingertips and touching your head.
Inventors
– Check out kidinventorsday.com for links to many different competitions.
Junk Box
– Recycle cardboard rollers, bubble wrap, catalogs, junk mail, bottle caps,
etc. for children to create into artwork, games, inventions, and toys.
*Building
traps for leprechauns around St. Patrick’s Day is always delightful!
Idle Time
– The brain needs a quiet time in order to process information and make new
connections. “Brain Growth Time”
(aka rest time) needs to be part of the school day. Parents also need to be reminded that boredom is a good
thing. Children don’t need to be
entertained or scheduled constantly.
Brainstorm
– Provide children with opportunities to brainstorm in groups and
independently. Use attribute webs,
time lines, shapes, and other graphic organizers.
Literature –
Creative writing enhances literacy skills as well as original thoughts. Children can write stories, poems,
songs, plays, and so forth.
Learning
Centers – Blocks, construction toys, play dough, puppets, art media, and
musical instruments all provide children with the opportunity to explore their
talents and interests.
Outdoor
Explorations – Nature is the perfect prescription to clear the mind and
open creative thought. Children
need to spend as much time as possible on the playground, at the park, or in
their own backyard.
