A couple of weeks ago, I introduced the concept of using the 7 Cs of Education in your classroom. Last week, I talked about critical thinking, which is such a crucial skill not only within a classroom setting, but also in many other settings throughout life.
The second of the 7 Cs is creativity. Creativity can be daunting to some, and may feel very risky to a lot of kids. Even so, creative thinking is so important, and it’s absolutely worth pushing your students to try it. When presented with a problem or situation that needs solving, analyzing, or exploring, looking at it through a creative lens can generate some really unique, innovative ideas. Some kids come hardwired to think creatively, but many do not, and that’s okay! Keeping this in mind then, how do we teach and encourage this kind of thinking?
Truthfully, there are so many ways to promote creativity for every kind of learning style and every content area. Anytime we can get students to let go of black and white thinking is a big win and a step in the right direction toward creative thinking. Below you will find some ideas you can implement in your teaching. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to encourage creative thinking; every student is different, but all can think outside the box!
- Encourage movement- physical activity can clear the brain of extra “noise”, which then leaves room for deeper, more creative approaches to solving problems. If possible, let kids move around outside. Movement + fresh air = amazing results!
- Read! When kids read or are read to, they begin to see beyond their own space. Seeing characters in books facing similar situations as they do can encourage students to approach problems in new, creative ways.
- Use mistakes and failures as ways to reframe thinking. Learn from the mistakes, take note of what did and did not work, and proceed with a fresh set of ideas. Mistakes aren’t an ending, but rather a chance to try again.
- Use open ended questions to force students to push their thinking beyond yes/no answers. Asking “why” promotes deeper, more creative thinking.
- Ask questions that allow students to use their imaginations. “What if” questions are really great for imaginative and creative thinking. Silly questions can also be great tools.
- Let kids play on their own. Give them free time. When we step back and let their minds work on their own, you see amazing things start to happen. Sometimes the pressure of a hovering adult can suppress creative thinking. Removing that pressure can help kids feel more relaxed and free to be silly, imaginative, and creative.
- Let students know that any idea is valuable, especially when in the beginning stages of solving a problem. If they feel like they can contribute their ideas no matter how “out there” they may seem, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing with others.
- Make your classroom a safe space for expression, where everyone feels valued and included. Creating a judgement-free zone is super important when creating a safe space.
- Be flexible. Just because you’re the adult doesn’t mean that your idea or your way is the only idea or way. Be open to new ideas, and encourage your students to do the same.
- Keep things fun! It’s hard to think creatively when there is pressure and criticism. Many kids will shut down when faced with strict, uptight rules and thinking.
- Allow for students to work together. Combining brain power can lead to really great outcomes.
Some of the greatest solutions and ideas have come from creative thinking. As we encourage our students to think in creative ways, their minds begin to open up to all sorts of possibilities. A box goes from a cube of cardboard to a car, spaceship, shopping cart, lawn mower, doll house, or any other number of things. A blank piece of paper and a writing prompt can turn into a magnificent adventure or a mystery full of twists and turns. The options are endless when it comes to creative thinking!