Creativity in kids- How to nurture creativity?

Creativity in kids: Creative kids give life to ideas with their imagination.  

Creativity in kids is essential to unveil their potential. Indeed, it is a bold try and an ocean of endless possibilities. Therefore, it’s a crucial skill for contemplation beyond orthodox patterns. Creativity greets imagination and a unique approach towards life. There are many ways to express imagination. Such as art, writing, science, problem-solving, and even everyday tasks. Creative kids uniquely combine existing knowledge. Through developing curiosity, exploration, and consistent practice, creativity in kids can be fostered.

In summary, creativity is a core human trait, and creative kids bloom in curiosity. It shapes art, culture, science & technology, thus enhancing our lives. The brain undergoes rapid growth and neuroplasticity during early childhood development.  It is a fruitful time for fostering creativity.

For instance, it helps in brain development in children.

Creativity And Brain Development In Children

Formation of Synaptic Connections:
Creative activities, like drawing, clay modelling, or storytelling, help form and strengthen neural pathways.

Play and Imagination:
This promotes diverse thinking, thus promoting the ability to bring about multiple solutions to a problem.

Role of the Prefrontal Cortex:
This area benefits from challenges that involve problem-solving and innovation, helping children learn how to think creatively.

To summarise, there are various benefits of creativity on brain development in children.

Benefits of Creativity in Kids on Brain Development

Creativity makes the brain more moldable and better at learning new skills, promoting neuroplasticity. It fosters holistic thinking and overall kids’ development. Also nourishes the connection between the left (analytical) and right (creative) hemispheres. Furthermore, improves problem-solving and emotional intelligence. In addition, it enhances memory by engaging multiple brain regions. Here are a few ways to encourage creativity in kids.

1. Creativity in kids: Promote curiosity

Children love to ask why. They are full of questions. They want to understand the world around them. Their curiosity is one of their best strengths. This allow adults to stimulate their love for learning and creativity in kids.

Respond to their questions with excitement, even when their questions might be repetitive. Have discussions with them and give them thoughtful answers. To nurture their deeper thinking, sometimes you even ask them questions. Welcome their unique perspectives, even when at times they might sound silly.

For example, one of our parents asked her child a question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

The little one replied, “I want to be an octopus!”

The mother asked why. Oh, the child’s answer? “So I can have nine brains and blue blood. Blue is my favourite colour. And I can do eight things at once!”

Children’s creativity and imagination know no limits. We must continue to foster these little dreamers as they continue to thrill the world in their unique way.

Thus, provide them with chances to discover. Here’s what you need to know about providing them with the right chances.

2. Give them opportunities to discover and nurture creativity

Creative kids seek chances and love to experiment. Provide them with opportunities for discovery. It sparks curiosity and enhances their skill to learn through experience. For example, let them explore nature. Take them to the beach or the hikes. Encourage them to observe nature, landscapes, animals, plants, insects, and much more. Then ask them open-ended questions to stimulate their thinking.

Let them explore the world of science with creative activities for kids. Like a “volcano experiment” with baking soda and vinegar. Or fun play with magnets. Ask them to predict what will happen before experimenting to foster critical thinking.

Above all, it is important to have a creative environment at home.

3. Creative kids flourish when their environment is right.

Creating a creative home environment demands exploration, imagination, and innovative thinking. Give your child a designated creative space. Provide them space for their art and craft supplies. Invest in open-ended toys like wooden blocks, beads, pipe cleaners, instruments, and modelling clay. These creative activities for kids encourage imagination. Fill your homes with creative resources like books, puzzles, and games that stimulate minds.

Additionally, experiment with fun DIYs. Remember, children are keen observers and are visual learners. They adapt and learn what they see. Allow your creativity to flourish. This will encourage them to step up and explore

4. Limit distractions and screen time.

Creative kids and imagination flourish in free time or alone time. Especially excessive screen time hinders creativity. It limits a child’s ability to think and limits their horizons from expanding. These distractions take up their downtime. It prevents the brain from daydreaming or wandering and forming new connections. Set screen-free zones or periods to encourage creative daydreaming. Provide creative activities for kids.

In particular, screens can reduce meaningful face-to-face interactions. These interactions are vital for developing empathy, teamwork, and storytelling skills.

5. Storytelling

Children love stories. Storytelling is an excellent way to foster creativity in kids. It enhances self-expression and also stimulates imagination. They learn the art of expression and storytelling. You can play a fun game with them. Start a story, let them continue further. You tell them the ending and ask them to imagine multiple possibilities or alternative endings to a story. Introduce more games like “Once Upon a Time” to inspire creativity in kids. You can also use different media in stories, like instruments or music or props.

Ask them to make their own DIY props and form stories with them. Storytelling also enhances communication skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence.

6. Create your family art pinboard

This activity will encourage them to explore their creativity. It will allow them to observe and learn. This provides an opportunity for family bonding. Encourage your child to experiment with different media like chalk, watercolours, or gouache.

Below are creative activities for kids to unlock their full potential

Creative activities for kids

We at Tickle Right inculcate a love for learning within children. The game-based learning process and making learning fun through creative activities for kids. For instance, activities like-

1. Arts and crafts 

These are the best self-expression activities. It will engage and foster creativity in kids. Introduce them to quilling, origami, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc. Use household items like cardboard, bottle caps, or fabric scraps to make toys. Encourage them to use their fingers, sponges, and vegetables to stamp.

2. Nature Treasure Hunt

Give them a list of items to find. Like a red leaf, a smooth stone, or an insect, and encourage observation and discovery.

3. Gardening

Involve your kids in gardening, and teach them about different plants. Let them decorate plants and ask them to brainstorm creative ways to keep plants.

4. Sound and music activities

Allow them to explore music and sounds. You can also encourage them to create their rhymes.

5. Baking and cooking

Provide plain cookies, frosting, and sprinkles. Let the kids design their treats. Or let them help dress the salad.

Conclusion

Though many believe that creativity is an inborn talent, that’s not entirely true. Creativity is a skill that can be fostered and developed.  Consistent practice, right exposure, and encouragement nurture it further. Children have boundless potential for creativity. Creative kids need encouragement and exploration. It allows them to express themselves freely without fear of judgment.