Creativity
Brainstorming Activity
Brainstorming ActivityAccording to Susan K. Perry in Playing Smart, the more a child uses brainstorming skills, the more creative a thinker she will be. Brainstorming is thinking up as many answers to a question as possible. Below are some ideas to get you started. After you've brainstormed for a while, brainstorm some new brainstorming topics! Directions read more
Child Who Talks to Himself
A child who adopts behavior such as talking to himself is probably not in any real trouble, but it's worth exploring why. read more
Crazy Dots
Crazy DotsTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials PaperPencil or pen Directions Each of you place 15 to 20 dots on the surface of a paper so that they are easy to see and spread apart.Exchange papers and look hard at the dots to imagine a picture.Connect the dots so that the picture emerges. If you are stumped, try turning the paper longways.Return the papers when you are finished. Extensions read more
Creativity Belongs to Children
Creativity Belongs to ChildrenWhen very young children start playing, with toys or with crayons, they listen to and trust themselves. They eagerly follow their instincts and their urge to explore the immense world in which they have just arrived. They seem to flow with the inner current of their creativity, and with amazing freedom. Adults love to watch the ease and enjoyment children have in inventing, and we marvel at the direct contact they have with creation. read more
Expression Versus Catharsis
Expression Versus CatharsisWe want children to express themselves, but we don't want them to react and confuse creation with catharsis. Catharsis is not creation; it is only a release of pressure. When children paint in a cathartic way, they paint as if they were beating a pillow. They usually are in a state of tension, painting without respecting what they did before, mistreating the brushes, and making a mess. read more
Finding Your Inner Genius: The 10 Steps to Creativity
Finding Your Inner Genius: The 10 Steps to Creativity I happen to know you're a genius. It's true. It's always been true. You just forgot. We all have some kind of genius, but for many of us, life experiences, whether at home, in school, or in the workplace may have done little to confirm that. I'll bet you don't want that for your child. read more
Giving Children Feedback on their Artwork
Giving Children Feedback on their ArtworkIt is a fact that parents, teachers, and counselors try to support children's creativity, but often they do not know how. Through casual feedback or well-intentioned but ill-advised statements, they may inadvertently undermine children's creative spirit. Children are hungry for true appreciation. They do not want flattery, opinions, or even blind support for what they do. They want to be seen. Positive or negative evaluation brings creativity to a superficial level. Parents and teachers should never compare children's work. read more
Guidelines for Optimum Creativity
Guidelines for Optimum CreativityEleven Golden Rules read more
Homeschool for a Bright, Creative Child?
If your child currently has no outlet each day for his creativity, homeschooling can change that. read more
How the Creative Process Works
How the Creative Process WorksIf we want children to use painting as a tool for self-expression and self-discovery, we don't need to teach them technique. On the contrary: we need to unteach it. The less technique children have, the more they use their intuition. Technique overrides intuition. As adults we should clear out unnecessary baggage for children's freedom of creation to unfold. When painting they must be allowed to follow the dictates of their intuition. read more
Intrusions to Creativity
Intrusions to CreativityTo create a magical context that fosters spontaneous inspiration and self-expression, parents and teachers need to become aware of possible intrusions into children's joyful processes. Commenting on children's paintings is extremely delicate and can be unknowingly threatening to a child. It may not seem like it because these questions can feel natural, but here are the three basic intrusions to children's creativity: read more
Inventions We'd Rather Not See
Inventions We'd Rather Not See Required: Your time only The world of science and engineering brings us all kinds of great and useless things. But what about the truly useless or silly things that haven't been invented yet? Here are some ideas to get your kid's creative juices flowing. read more
Spatial Quick Tips
Spatial Quick TipsYou can help your child further develop her spatial talents by:Stocking your home with art supplies so that she can create her own paintings, drawings, sculptures, and models. Allowing her to decide how she would like to arrange her bedroom furniture (ask older children to sketch the new arrangement first). Asking your child to use a map to determine the quickest route to a new shopping center or amusement park. read more
Spotlight: Creativity! Study Finds ADHD Kids Are More Creative
Spotlight: Creativity! Study Finds ADHD Kids Are More Creative read more
The Artist or Crafts Enthusiast
The Artist or Crafts Enthusiast Not every girl likes chasing after a ball or cycling her heart out. Many enjoy various forms of arts or crafts activities. They may be content to sit in the den and doodle, sketch, or write. Or they fashion objects out of Play-Doh, or stitch together a new outfit for their stuffed toys. Their hobby occupies them and brings them joy. Girls with this wonderful ability to entertain themselves are easy to satisfy. read more
The Joy of Spontaneous Expression
The Joy of Spontaneous ExpressionChildren need to stop worrying about what they do. The pressure of doing it right can take over and prevent them from being creative. read more
