Is creativity declining in America? A recent article in Newsweek indicates that may be the case. One likely reason may be the increasingly sedentary lifestyles for young children — wise teachers know how to nourish the sparks of creativity inside every child using movement, music, dramatic play, and art, among other things.

What are the characteristics of creativity?

Fluency. The ability to generate different relevant ideas about a single topic.

Flexibility. The ability to shift thinking to different categories.

Elaboration. The ability to work out an idea in detail such as embellishing a story or weaving in new and interesting ideas.

Originality. Coming up with new, imaginative ideas.

Evaluation. The ability to select and refine ideas

Tips for creating a creative environment for young children:

Making music and dancing to it are great fun for children of all ages. Every day should have singing and movement.

Play imaginative games. Ask children what figures they see in clouds or in a cookie as it disappears bite by bite. Don’t be afraid to take on role-playing yourself — model the possible actions of a cook, fireman, or grocery clerk.

Teach brainstorming. This can be especially helpful to a self-critical child. Ask the children to think of multiple ideas for a story. Then go through the list together and decide on one or two best ideas for dramatic play.

Provide children with basic, open-ended toys that encourage their imaginations, such as blocks, modeling clay, art supplies, dress-up clothes, a magnifying glass, tool set, and plastic cups to use with sand or water.

Give children time to pursue their interests — don’t schedule every moment.

Don’t give a quick answer when a child asks, “What’s that?” Try asking: “What do you think?” Or you might explore the object together by touching, smelling, or looking at it from various angles to determine what it is.

Avoid jumping in to label what young children are drawing. “Oh, that looks like a fire engine.” Instead, comment on the colors or “tell me about your picture”

Make sure children get enough exercise. Research has shown that regular strenuous exercise — especially running — can strengthen a child’s creative and problem-solving abilities.

Be curious and adventurous. Serve a new food at least once a week. Look under leaves and rocks. Provide children with a bag or box to save acorns, shells, pretty little stones, and other collectibles from nature.

This article is adapted from "Creativity is a gift that can be taught" in Work & Family Life 23 (12), page 5.

More valuable references:

• Pica, R. 2009. Can Movement Promote Creativity? Young Children, July 2009. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
• Essentials for Child Development Associates Working With Young Children, 2nd Ed. pp. 327-344. Washington DC: Council for Professional Recognition.

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