5 Ways to Develop Your Child’s Creativity
As your child grows, it is important to set boundaries. Along with creative activities throughout the day, Catholic schools in Orlando have routines that our students follow to keep them safe and allow the day to move smoothly along. However, sometimes children feel confined as they attempt to express themselves, and their creativity is not able to flourish. Below are a few methods that give your children the opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and give their creativity a huge boost.
- Play
Children can find amusement in the simplest pleasures. Take, for instance, an oversized box, which can transform into a train, rocket, boutique, pet store, or anything else that can be imagined. Instead of buying a toy with one function, such as a stethoscope with a popular cartoon character on it, invest in the imagination.
- How To Activities
Many building toys come with a set of instructions that must be carefully followed for the product to work correctly. While this is fantastic learning toy, let your child manipulate the bricks to see what she can build. You may find a carpet full of zoo animals when you return, or a garage of tiny exotic cars. If your child insists on playing a game differently than what the rules or instructions dictate, let it progress to see what happens. It may be much more entertaining when the game is tailored to the people around the table.
- Time for Arts and Crafts
This is a two-pronged idea with both “time” and “arts and crafts” sharing precedence. It might take you five minutes to color a page, but a young child may require a lot more time. Don’t rush the project or interject with what you think is the right way to do it; give your child room to experiment.
- Make Mistakes
Watch as your child masters a concept, and try not to correct the error unless it leads to danger. Learning through trial and error will not stop a child’s creativity; it proves you are there as a safety net when he tries something unique. When your child muses, “I wonder what will happen if…”, answer with, “Try it!”
- Read
A great book can open worlds your child may never know existed. The ability to imagine being part of the story engages readers and sends them on journeys to other places and times. If you are reading to your child, answer any questions as they are asked, even if it interrupts the story. This proves to your child that his questions are worthwhile and that you are fostering his curiosity.As your child grows, inquisitiveness generally decreases. Keep the young scientist in her healthy by piquing her interest in creative endeavors such as art, music, drama, reading, and critical thinking experiments. Many of the Catholic schools in Orlando have specific areas and times set aside for creative activities throughout the school day or as extracurricular activities after school. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4903 to inquire about activities your child will enjoy, and read our blogs to learn about many of the Diocese’s schools.