Creativity is the ability to think outside of the box and thus, produce something that no one else would have thought of. It is the ability to be unique. Creativity helps to create, create something new, something unique or even adding a twist on something that has already been done. Creativity, in its extreme, is about creating something out of nothing, for no other purpose than to be creative.
Give a child a pen and he/she could use it as a pen by scribbling on a piece of paper or could use it as a flute, a torch, a magic wand, a mike or even play with it as an airplane. This is how a child’s mind works. It is free-flowing like a river. You should not try to stop their free flow of thoughts. These weird imaginations give way to exceptional creations.
Children have an amazing innate ability to be creative when they play freely on their own, and unfortunately, the act of overparenting dampens or even wipes out that. So, it is important to figure out how to facilitate your child’s creativity without managing it. Kids learn a lot by playing on their own.
If children like to play in the sand, let them do so; you need not buy them expensive toys. They will build an imaginary castle, mountains or dig a tunnel with their bare hands. Let them get dirty; give them their space. Space here does not mean a fancy play area. Any part of the house or outdoors where the child feels comfortable is his/her space.
Allow for “free time.” It is also important to give your child unstructured time. Spend a few hours at home without activities scheduled, so your child can just putter around and play. Help your kids activate their senses. Expose them to the world so they can use all their senses. Again, this does not mean expensive or complicated trips. Take them to a library, a museum and outdoors. Tell them to imagine – what traveling to faraway places or going to the jungle or swimming deep in the ocean, or even flying up in the sky might be like. What animals would they encounter? What would it smell like? What noises would the animals make?
Pay attention to your child’s interests and make these materials and activities available to them. This could become their passion. Help them pursue their passions.
“Kids learn from their parents”, this is something that I always say. Since kids learn from watching their parents, you take the time for your own creativity and be creative. Join your child when they are drawing or building or colouring. It is a great opportunity for the family to bond and everyone will have fun.
In conclusion, I would like to quote Alison Gopnik- “Babies are born experimental scientists that take in scrolls of information by trying things on their own and tweaking as they go. Being more hands-off helps kids figure out how to solve problems and create in their own unique ways.”
About the author
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Diploma in International Montessori Teachers Training, and Bachelor of Education.
As a school principal, I am a leader, an educator, a curriculum consultant, a disciplinarian, and a manager. I believe in providing a wonderful environment where children can learn and grow.
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