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A lot of parents are finally starting to realize the role imagination plays in a child's life and are trying to find ways to encourage creative thought, recognizing that the educational system largely ignores the necessity of this. But for a lot of parents, just where to start is not always so clear. You'll notice, however, that imagination comes very natural to a child, and the less we restrict it, the more it comes out on it's own. So here are 5 things you don't want to do when observing or nurturing the imagination of a child. 1. Don't "Grade" Imagination
First of all, imagination should never be graded or judged. That's not what it's all about, and putting some kind of value judgment on the creative process only serves to limit or restrict it. In some cases, it might be unavoidable to give a grade to something that was imagined, as is the case for many teachers, but in these types of situations, you simply need to avoid judging the creative process or what was imagined. Instead, focus on the skills that were being tested, and leave it at that.
2. Don't Assume Imagination Is Just for Arts
Many make the mistake of assuming imagination is reserved for art and music, but this simply is not the case. Look around you. Everything you see before you was once in the imagination of another man, woman, or child--but now it is real. Everything in the modern world is a product of imagination, and that is why it is so. It's the act of seeing something that doesn't exist and then bringing it into existence. It is the root of all problem solving. Teach your children to see this as well.
3. Don't Overdo Praise
Giving too much praise or flattery on an creative project, though done with good intentions, can sometimes be counter-productive. If the child gets too caught up in the praise, they may start creating to seek this reward rather than creating for the joy of it. Also, many children will stop improving their creations when they've got a great response--if it's already so great, why mess with it? But if you give a little praise and let them continue, they will keep expanding and improving on it and their creative thinking will continue to grow.
4. Don't Do Everything Right
Resist the urge to always show kids the "right" way to do things--this limits their own learning and creative process. And in fact, you should purposely do things a different way than you usually do, asking for their input on how they want to go about it. This shows them how to think outside the box and reject the "norm."
5. Don't Focus on What's Created
Never forget that encouraging creativity should focus on the process of creation rather than what is being created. Learning to love this process is what makes for a rich, full life--as well as the types of creations that advance mankind. Don't criticize (or overly-reward) what they have made or push them to do it the way you know it needs to be done to get the desired effect. Instead, let their minds wander, experiment, and go wild.
In the end, they may find disappointment, but they will also learn and grow, and that's the point. It only makes their successes that much sweeter.
| About The Author Another don't you want to think about is don't keep your kids all day and numb their imagination with video games that keep them from thinking on their own. Just getting outside and being creative about play can do wonders for creative growth. Make them a mini-playground by investing in some outdoor swing sets, playsets, and other playground equipment. Go to http://www.superiorplay.com for more information now! |
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