Promoting Creativity in Children -Elyse Kebert-

Creativity What is it? Why is it important? How can we support and promote it?

What is Creativity? Creativity is the ability to produce work that is original yet appropriate - something that others have not thought of but that is useful in some way.

Everyone is creative! Creativity is an inborn trait that can be developed throughout an individual’s lifetime, given the proper stimulation and environment.

Historical Perspectives The Psychometric View A Multifaceted View (Investment Theory of Creativity)

The Psychometric View Focus on Divergent Thinking Tests of Creativity Verbal Figural “Real World Problem” Allows individual scores to be compared to standardized samples

Multifaceted View Investment theory of creativity Sternberg and Lubart Novel Project + Proper Resources = Creative Product

Proper Resources Cognitive -Problem finding -Divergent thinking -Convergent thinking: evaluating ideas -Insight -Knowledge Personality -Innovative style of thinking -Curiosity -Tolerance of ambiguity -Courage of one’s convictions Motivational and Environmental -Settings rich in stimulation -Emphasis on intellectual curiosity -Systematic teaching that builds talent -Encouragement of original ideas and evaluation of those ideas

Qualities of Being Creative - Open-ended thinking - Self-expression - Imagination - Curiosity - Exploration/Experimentation

Why is Creativity Important?

Creativity is essential to progress Without acts of creativity there would be no… - New inventions - Scientific findings - Artistic movements

Creativity provides an outlet for self-expression By painting pictures or making up stories, children can indirectly express their feelings.

Creativity helps pave the road toward a positive sense of self worth. Erikson’s stage of Initiative versus Guilt

How can we promote children’s creativity?

Encourage idea generation and evaluation Encourage and praise divergent thinking, even if ideas are silly, then suggest new approaches that may be more valuable. Encourage sensible risk-taking Assign work and activities that have multiple acceptable answers.

Encourage tolerance of ambiguity Work through uncertainty to create better ideas. Help children believe in their ability to be creative Help children find what they love to do.

Putting theory into action!

For early school-age children: - Provide art and craft materials based on their interests. - Write, illustrate, and tell stories. - Allow children to show you the new skills they have been learning. - Use imaginative play; be superheroes or animals. - Help children bring their new ideas to fruition; produce a play based on the children’s ideas.

Important things to remember… Give suggestions - not strict guidelines! It’s the process that counts, not the outcome!

Model Creative Thinking!

Resources Berk, L. E. (2006). Child Development (7th ed). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. National Network for Child Care (2004). Good times being creative. Retrieved March 24, Decortis, F. et al (2004). New digital environments to support creativity: Exploring children in narrative activities and architects in design building. Retrieve March 24, NACCRRA (2006). It’s the doing that counts: Support children’s creativity and expression. The Daily Parent, 44. Retrieved March 24, Fowler, L.K. (1997). Encouraging creativity in children. The Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved March 24,