What do you think of when you hear the word creativity? I wonder if ‘The Arts’ pop to mind? If it does you wouldn’t be wrong. In school, creativity is usually associated with the arts. And then you have the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which aim to foster inquiring minds and logical reasoning. But, what if I told you ALL subjects are creative subjects!
So what does it mean to be creative?
Being creative is a way of thinking and allowing our mind to work freely. Our mindset gives us the ability to express our imagination and inventiveness.
Creativity gives us the ability produce and discover new and fresh ideas.
Creativity is how we communicate and express ourselves.
Creativity is how we solve problems.
Creativity is putting our imagination to work.
Creativity is how we can build relationships and work collaboratively.
And so we can see that creativity is not just limited to the arts.
What studies show us about creativity
Knowing how important creativity truly is, it is no wonder it is one of the most in-demand skills in the 21st century.
I was fascinated to read about George Land’s creativity test. In 1968, George Land conducted a study to test the creativity of a group of children age from three-to-five years old.
This was the same creativity test he conducted for NASA to help select innovative engineers and scientists. The assessment worked incredibly well and he decided to try it on children. He re-tested the same children at 10 years of age, and again at 15 years of age.
The test results amongst 5 year old children, showed that 98% of pre-schoolers were considered creative geniuses. By school age, the percentage dropped to 30%. By secondary school age, it decreased even more to just 12% and then for adults, the sad news was that, only 2% were considered creative geniuses.
“What we have concluded,” wrote Land, “is that non-creative behaviour is learned.”
George Land and Beth Jarman, Breaking Point and Beyond.
I found this astonishing! Especially when we begin to understand what creativity truly is.
Creativity is limitless and it’s about expressing who we really are. When we find our purpose, our creativity pours out. When we express how we solve a mathematical problem (whether right or wrong) we are expressing our creative thinking. When we paint a picture we are being creative. When we are bringing people together, we are using our creative skills.
The link between creativity and our wellbeing
As I read over George Land’s study, I couldn’t help but consider whether there is a link between the decline in creativity and the increase in mental health.
With further research it was clear to see that there was a connection. You can read more about one of the studies Creativity and well-being: a meta-analysis here.
So it seems that a holistic and creative approach to children’s education is the way forward!
Creativity is not only a valuable life skills but it is a mindset. It is all about thinking outside the box and thinking in ways which require self belief and self confidence in order for one to take risks.
So how do we teach creativity?
Creativity is within all of us. To spark children’s creativity we simply need to provide them with a range of opportunities, inspiration, encouragement and positive guidance.
Check out Happy Healthy Juniors Online Creative Curriculum for children, an exploratory, artistic and innovative approach to learning. Our home experience guides, follows our Happy Healthy Juniors Micro-School curriculum. This means you can be sure to know that each guide has been inspired and tested by little feet! The curriculum is for children aged 5-8 years of age but the material is flexible and can be adapted for all ages.
To follow our Micro-School Creative Curriculum click on Curriculum & Creative Guide, and select the Creative Bundle of your choice. You will be guided through with exciting ideas, key resources and links to relevant tutorials or recommendations.
Let us know if you have any questions!
We would love to find out how you are getting on.
Sending lots of love and light,
Seran x