How to Encourage Creative Thinking in Children
It was once believed that kids are either creative from birth or they are not. But that is no longer the case. After a long time, scientists and educators have come to the conclusion that creativity is not only innate; it can also be developed. Additionally, one of the most crucial goals a teacher should have in the classroom is the development of the student’s creative skills. This could also explain why many children are now more receptive to fresh ideas after years of rigorous, traditional education methods that could stifle a child’s ability to think creatively. The methods that promote student independence and creativity as well as inquiry-based learning are among the most popular nowadays.
But teachers at schools aren’t the only ones who have to do this. Young people must receive the continuation of the education they receive in schools to help shape their minds. And where better than in their own homes for them to get this? As parents, you may also help your child develop creative thinking skills at home.
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Why is creative thinking important?
A very common misconception about creativity is that it only has something to do with the arts. When speaking of creativity, many may think of drawings, paintings, pottery, or crafts. However, creativity doesn’t just start or end there. Creative thinking is important as it allows children to birth new ideas and innovations. It lets them think outside of the box and helps them deal with situations, solving problems in more ways than one. creative thinking isn’t just about art, it can apply to many things and can help your child in creating their own solutions.
How to encourage creative thinking at home?
As parents, it can be overwhelming and also sometimes confusing as to how you can help your child be the best version of themselves and support their development. This is even more so in encouraging creative thinking, but fear not, as we have some advice on how you can do this at home.
1. Support their creativity
This should be comfortable for the child so that they can explore and grow in their imagination and creativity. They can be less inclined to express their creativity if they believe that it is not appreciated. As parents, there are numerous ways to demonstrate and establish a nurturing environment in the house to foster the child’s capacity for original thought.
You may let them play on their own or plan different activities for each day that might encourage their creative abilities. You can take them on a hike or to a park nearby so they can take in the scenery. Parents should hence refrain from signing them up for an excessive number of organized extracurricular activities. Additionally, it is beneficial if the activities they are participating in don’t involve electronic devices that could occupy their time.
2. Encourage their curiosity
Parents can expose their children to experiences that are comparable to or related to their topic of interest if the child exhibits indicators of interest in a certain subject. Parents can also take their child to museums or the local library to learn more about the subject, for instance, if they have developed an interest in history. By assisting their children in researching articles or movies on the specific historical period that piques their interest, parents can further foster their children’s curiosity. In addition to providing your child with further information and resources on the topic they are interested in, it can serve as an opportunity for you to spend quality time together and make more wonderful memories.
3. Give opportunities for creative pursuits
It is important to allow kids to pursue their own interests and passions, as we have mentioned in our post about helping them discover and nurture their hobbies. Without any outside influence, they need to be able to decide for themselves what they are interested in. It may take some time to expose them to many situations, but doing so will assist your child with choosing their passion rather than pushing it through quickly.
Providing kids with chances to partake in and appreciate various artistic endeavors also happens to accomplish the same effect. Getting kids involved in creative activities, like playing an instrument, making pottery, or taking art lessons, can assist parents foster their child’s creativity.
4. Lead by example
Children naturally copy what they see, so you may encourage their creative thinking by setting an example and engaging in creative activities with them. You and your child can experiment with a lot of things. You might begin drawing with your child, or you can arrange to create pastries with them and have them decorate them together. Your child will learn how creativity functions and how to develop it through these activities.
They have to understand that creativity is enriched when it is used often. As such, this can also serve as bonding moments for you and your child. Aside from cultivating creative thinking together, you can also observe more about what your child’s interests and passions are and use those observations to make sure they get the help they need for the future. If you are having trouble selecting the activities to do with your child, you can try using DIY (Do-It-Yourself) kits with your child. There are many available in the market or you can look up DIY activities on the Internet that may only use those already available around the household.
5. Avoid harsh criticism
It’s not an entirely unusual situation. Your child could occasionally have an extravagant and seemingly absurd notion for an invention or a fix for an issue. No matter how strange it may appear, try not to give them the impression that they or their idea are less valuable when this occurs. Kids will only feel worse if they laugh at or dismiss their thoughts as being too idealistic. It might even be one of the reasons they keep quiet or don’t discuss any novel concepts they may have since they are afraid of getting shut down.
Instead of judging their ideas, encourage them to realize their ideas and even test out ways to find out how to make this happen in reality. Some peculiar ideas can be the foundation of actual, innovative ideas once they are shaped and developed more.
6. Let them ask questions
We are aware that being a parent can occasionally be very taxing, particularly when your kids are asking you incessant questions. This, however, is rather typical since the child is beginning to become more conscious of and inquisitive about their surroundings. Parents should still encourage their children to ask questions even though it could be a big test of their patience and even their capacity to provide answers.
One of the best ways for kids to learn about their environment is to be naturally curious. Because of this, when they inquire and receive a response—or even just acknowledgment—they will understand that their queries, worries, and emotions around a specific matter are legitimate. They will also be more likely to ask more questions and learn more about the world around them if they are encouraged to do so and receive intelligent answers.
7. Encourage perseverance
Everybody has been there. There will come a moment when original thought may prove difficult. Sometimes your child will have an idea for a painting they really want to create, but it can be challenging to translate the notion onto paper or a canvas. Giving up, nevertheless, won’t improve their capacity for original thought. Parents should encourage their children to work through their difficulties rather than advising them to give up or try again later.
For example, if they are stuck on a story they are writing, parents can suggest they take a breather or a walk around to get the ideas flowing back again. Another option would be to write about what happens next and go back to what they were stuck in later. Instead of abandoning their work, parents can help in encouraging them to finish working on it whether it turns out the way they wanted it or not.
8. Discuss interconnected concepts
Students often learn about different subjects separately. Science class is strictly focused on scientific topics and the same can be said with Math classes, wherein it’s more focused on arithmetic. However, these ideas and subjects can be related and connected with each other.
Nonetheless, there are connections and relationships between these concepts and topics. Talking about the life cycle of plants and organic produce from nearby farms might be a good way to engage your child. In addition, you can talk to the child about supply and demand in the neighborhood supermarkets as well as multiplication. Your kid will learn from this that creative thinking isn’t limited to a single notion or concept. They are able to investigate those concepts and connect them to other ideas.
9. Discover their learning style
Every child learns differently. Some learn best by one method whereas others learn better by one or more methods. When parents know and understand which learning style fits their child best, they can plan ahead for the experiences that will engage their creativity better and help them retain the information they receive.
Carelle
Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.
