Is there a secret to spark the creative thinking in younger students?
- 11 February 2022
Creativity is the most dynamic and free form type of self- expression.
Creativity is a trait that is as much desired as it is admired. Many of us wish we were more creative — that we had the creative “spark”
The experience that the students have in their early years can enhance their development of creativity and learning abilities.
Creative experiences allow children to express and understand their feelings.
Creativity also promotes mental growth in children by providing opportunities for experimenting with new ideas, and new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
It focuses on the process of “divergent thinking,” which involves:
(a) the breaking up of old ideas
(b) making new connections
(b) enlarging the limits of knowledge
(c) the onset of wonderful ideas
When we encourage divergent thinking, we help to maintain children’s motivation and passion for in-depth learning. Encouraging children to keep on generating new ideas fosters their creative-thinking abilities.
To enhance children’s creativity, we should keep the following in mind:
(a) One important way a child learns of his self-worth is through his interactions with you.
(b) Be generous in positive descriptions of children’s work and ideas.
(c) Remain focused on the uniqueness of each child and the challenge to nurture her trust and creativity.
(d) Hold group meetings where children can freely express ideas, particularly in the area of problem solving.
Another way to spark creativity in students is through open-ended questions. They are a great way to get children’s creative juices flowing. These questions help a child distance himself from the here and now. Choices, comparisons, entertaining new ideas, and formulating personal responses to these questions are all-important ingredients in creative thinking.
Thus would like to end by a quote by Mr.Robinson who in an interview with ASCD said. “Because creativity is a process of having original ideas that have value… It’s a process, not a single event, and genuine creative processes involve critical thinking as well as imaginative insights and fresh ideas.”
By Pooja Makhija, Grade 1 – Coordinator, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli.
