6 Ways to Encourage Creativity in Kids

Being able to think outside-of-the-box is a valuable trait. But how does one encourage and nurture this trait in children? Here are six simple ways you can provide opportunities for your child to exercise their creativity daily.

1. Set up an invitation to create. Provide some materials without rules or expectations and encourage your child to explore. This could be as simple as placing a few small balls of play-dough and a plastic fork in a tray on a table. Or some objects from nature (a small rock, some leaves, a twig, paint, and paper). Then, just allow them to explore and create. Don't worry about the finished product. The goal here is to let them enjoy the process of creating.

2. Give children the gift of unstructured time. When children have unstructured time, they can freely explore and create without predetermined expectations or guidelines. This engages creative thinking. Now, they may not see this as a gift if they are used to having their time planned out for them and they may exclaim "I'm bored", but creative ideas are born out of boredom. Finding solutions to their boredom requires creative thinking. Encourage them think of a way they can use their time.

3. Provide toys and materials that encourage creative play. Many toys today have very limited functions that discourage creativity. However, things like dress-up clothes, musical instruments, building blocks, empty boxes, etc. provide unlimited options for how children can play and create with them. Just think about the many things you could create or pretend with an empty box!

4. Read, talk about, and listen to books. It is so true that books open our minds and take us to places we have never been. Books teach us, entertain us, and make us curious about our world. Books allow us to create images in our mind as we listen to the author describe a character in elaborate detail. Stories help us to think about how we think the problem in the story will be solved. The written word is a powerful tool for flexing out creative muscle and a wonderful way for children to practice and nurture creativity.

5. Visit an art gallery or museum and ask your child open ended questions - "I wonder where the artist got the idea for this painting?" or "How do you think the artist made this sculpture?" Give your child plenty of time to think about the question and formulate their answer. Their ideas are often surprising. Giving children opportunities to view art, consider it, and express their thoughts about it help them to engage their creative thinking.

6. Turn off the screen. These days, screens are used to cure boredom (and remember that creative ideas are born from boredom). We are quick to play a video game, scroll through social media, or watch TV when we are bored. These are all passive activities. Children learn through play that engages creative thinking. Today's children are doing less active play and are increasingly sitting in front of mind-numbing passive screens. Things you watch, play, and see on a screen are pre-formulated images - someone else's ideas that tell us how we should see rather than allowing us to use our imagination. There is no need to think creatively while watching TV or playing a repetitive game. There are so many ways for children to better spend that time. Plus, active creative play also provides the bonus of physical exercise!

These are just a few simple ways that we can encourage and nurture creativity in our children. In our fast-paced world, I think it is important that we slow down a little and give our children the time they need to explore, daydream, and play creatively.

Gathering Hearts Art Studio is offering Summer Art Camp with lots of opportunities for process-based art experiences! https://www.gatheringheartsartstudio.com/about-5

Happy Creating,

Kari