Introducing Creativity

So I'm going to try and get back to posting more regularly on this blog. One of the first concepts I teach my students is what my expectations are when it comes to creativity. There is a controversy in the education world-some believe you are born creative, others believe it is something you can be taught. I believe it's a little of both. Some people have an innate creativity, however I have seen that with activities implemented regularly, a student's creativity can be enhanced.

The first day of school I explicitly teach that word and give them lots of visual examples. I let them know that when we write or create in class I expect them to try and come up with something different than their classmates. In the beginning, this is hard for them-they will write my example or someone will yell out an answer and everyone writes that one.

We do an activity called divergent art. I give the students a shape or object and they have to turn it into something.

This is an example of our first try at this activity. They didn't even use the shape in their design.

Another example.

As the year goes on and we do these activities more regularly the more creative their designs get.

And then we can use other things and be creative through the seasons and holidays.

The key to introducing these activities is not to give up. I have talked to teachers who try it and say my kids just don't get it. When you do the activity and someone does something that really impresses you-share that with the class. This is what I am looking for. You will see growth in their creativity and what I love about these activities is I can show that growth in their portfolios. Something that does not show up on a standardized test but when it comes to meeting with parents and the students to review their growth you can show them how much they improved.