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Creativity, like talent, is somewhat inborn. However, you can do a lot to motivate children to be creative. Good providers use a well-designed program stocked with open-ended materials and resources.
Examples of the characteristics of such a program and its staff:
Examples of the characteristics of such a program and its staff:
- The daily schedule provides large blocks of time during which children can choose what they want to do and with whom they would like to be.
- Most planned activities are voluntary. Children can choose to participate or not.
- There are a wide variety of materials, activities, and interest areas to meet the varied interests of children and to accommodate a wide age range.
- Children are exposed to art and other creative products – music, paintings, inventions, dance, sculpture.
- The program invites art, music, dance, drama, and other specialists to offer classes on site for interested children.
- Staff serve as facilitators rather than directors. They create the environment, provide opportunities, ask stimulating questions, and guide the children’s participation.
- Staff allow children to make messes and mistakes. They let children make and carry out their own ideas and plans.
- Children’s differences are valued.
Suggestions for Interacting with Children in Ways that Encourage and Respect Original Thoughts and Ideas and Promote Self-Expression:
- Offer activities that allow children to develop and carry out their own plans.
- Introduce children to brainstorming so they can use it as a problem-solving tool.
- Respond to children’s ideas for projects and activities.
- Avoid the use of coloring books, prepackaged craft projects, and worksheets.
- Help children understand it takes hard work and practice to develop their talents.
- Encourage children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and try again.
- Inviting children to display or share the results of their creative work.
- Ask a variety of questions that encourage children to think about things in new ways.
- Model creativity by sharing your own interests, take risks, and solve problems.
The course does not "save" your progress. Use the checklist provided to track your progress, and click on the link in the menu to return to where you left off in the training.
