Reading about the world’s 50 most innovative companies in the Fast Company Magazine, I would agree that creativity plays a key factor in the success of these companies. But, how can we reach a high level of creativity?
Once in a while I hear comments like the following:
“I envy some of my classmates who are so creative.”
“I don’t have the sense to be creative. I am short of this talent.”
I begin to wonder what makes a person creative. After digging for a while, I have learned much about creativity. Some of these ideas allow me to plan deeper about how I can help my students become more creative.
Creativity is not a talent or inherited from the family. It is in everybody’s nature that may be nurtured. People who are creative share the similar characteristics: 1) They have plenty of experiences about things around them and they are observant and expressive; 2) They are brave in trying new things and will not be bothered by failures or other people’s harsh critiques too much so that they dare to be different; and 3) They are passionate, eager, and determined to carry out the creative work on their mind. Their effort as well as their enjoyment seem never-ending.
To help students to become more creative, we will first expose them to plenty of good examples and engage them in exploring and discussing about the examples. For young children, we should provide them with tools and materials along with good guidance to explore the possibilities of doing various projects. They need to be encouraged to try new things, tasks, and approaches for projects. There is no absolutely right or wrong steps in developing a creative mind. Students should feel free to be different. Finally, we will insist that they complete the tasks and feel great about it.
Creativity does not always have to be related to art. It can exist in science, math, language, and sports, etc. Oftentimes, students need guidance and support to continue. We can offer challenges or games to inspire them. We can provide good visuals, materials, and stories to nurture them. To develop a creative mind takes effort. Can you think of 100 or more different ways of using socks? Can you imagine creating a story book with pictures only and without text? Can you draw a picture about what the world will be like in 25 years?
