How to Cultivate Creative Thinking in Children

Photo: (Photo : Pexels)

There is a widespread misunderstanding that the most effective approach to fostering creative thinking is to stand back and express themselves. While it is true that children are inherently interested and curious, they need assistance in developing their creative abilities and realizing their full actual abilities. 

The list is structured around five components: imagining what they want to accomplish, creating projects via play with tools and materials, sharing ideas and products with others, and reflecting on their experiences.

Imagine

Provide illustrations to stimulate thought: A collection of examples may catalyze creativity. When we do Scratch workshops, we always begin by demonstrating example projects - to show the possibilities (inspirational projects) and offer guidance on how to get started (starter projects). We exhibit a wide variety of projects to connect with the workshop participants' interests and passions.

Naturally, there is a possibility that youngsters may simply imitate or replicate the examples they observe. That is OK as a starting point, but only as a starting point. Encourage them to alter or enhance the models. 

Encourage experimentation: While most people believe that creativity occurs in the brain, the hands are essential. To assist youngsters in developing project ideas, we often urge them to begin experimenting with materials. Children generate fresh ideas when they play with LEGO bricks or experiment with craft supplies. What started as an idle pastime develops into the beginning of a larger project.

Create

Provide a diverse selection of materials: Children are profoundly affected by the toys, tools, and materials found in their environment. To encourage children to participate in creative activities, provide them with diverse materials for sketching, constructing, and creating. While new technology such as robotics kits and 3-D printers may broaden what youngsters make, conventional materials should not be overlooked. A coordinator of a Computer Clubhouse was ashamed to confess to me that her members were creating their dolls using "nylons, newspapers, and birdseed," but I thought their creations were fantastic.

Different materials are advantageous for various purposes. LEGO bricks and popsicle sticks are excellent for creating skeletons, felt and the fabric is perfect for creating skins, and Scratch is ideal for creating moving and interactive objects. Pencils and markers are helpful for sketching, while glue guns and duct tape help secure items. The larger the variety of materials available, the more innovative ideas are possible.

Be open to various forms of creation: Different youngsters have varying interest levels in several types of creating. Some people love constructing homes and castles out of LEGO bricks. Some people like using Scratch to create games and animations.

For instance, if your kid is interested in photography, he or she can utilize paper sketching or online sketching resources to produce cool photos. Furthermore, he may use it as his Whatsapp DP to tell friends. It fosters children's creativity and encourages them to think differently.

Play

Emphasize the process, not the result: As youngsters work on projects, emphasize the process rather than the result. Inquire youngsters about their methods and sources of inspiration. Encourage experimentation by recognizing both successful and unsuccessful efforts equally. Allow students to describe their projects' intermediate phases and discuss what they want to accomplish next and why.

Extend the duration of projects: Children need time to concentrate on creative tasks, particularly if they are continuously trying, experimenting, and exploring new ideas (as we hope they will). Attempting to fit projects into a regular 50-minute school session - or even a few 50-minute periods over a week - contradicts the whole concept of project-based learning. It inhibits exploration and prioritizes quickly arriving at the "correct" solution within the given time. Schedule multiple intervals for projects to effect gradual change. To achieve a more dramatic shift, designate certain days, weeks, or months (or even months) when kids concentrate only on school assignments.

Share

Become a collaborator: Parents and mentors may get too engaged in their children's creative endeavors, instructing them what to do or seizing the keyboard to demonstrate how to solve a problem; other parents and mentors stay entirely out of their children's creative projects. However, parents should maintain a balance between helping while children are doing the creative work when adults and children work together on projects effectively. When both parties are dedicated to collaboration, everyone benefits.

Reflect

Contribute your thoughts: Youngsters must understand that thinking is complex for everyone-adults and children alike. Additionally, it is beneficial for youngsters to hear your methods for completing tasks and problem-solving. Children will be more receptive to reflecting on their thoughts after hearing your reflections, and they will have a better example of how to do so. Consider the youngsters in your life as creative thinking apprentices; by showing and sharing how you think creatively, you are assisting them in becoming creative thinkers.

© 2024 ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of parentherald.com

Join the Discussion
Real Time Analytics