Creativity is the most difficult thinking ability to master and the one that is most in demand. History demonstrates that imagination is the foundation of creativity and that many things we dream up later become a reality. There is more to creativity than just paints and pencils. When a teacher incorporates creative skills into the school day, students can achieve greater long-term success in various areas. The ability to express oneself, develop original ideas, and implement those ideas can help them feel more at ease and competent. This blog talks about ways to develop creative skills in students.
Let’s Begin!
Gallup’s study found that students in classrooms that prioritized both creativity and transformative technology also performed better in the following areas:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Retaining information.
- Demonstrating a more thorough understanding.
- Establishing connections between different subject areas.
- Taking standardized tests
Teaching students creative task engagement is also very stimulating, engaging, and energizing. Fun educational games that let kids use their imaginations can help kids concentrate longer and feel more fulfilled overall.
Even if the “results” of in-class creativity aren’t particularly impressive, students can still benefit greatly from developing this skill. Students are better prepared for success outside the classroom when the learning environment is created to make them stronger learners, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators.
If you want your class students to turn into creative students, then here are some tips on how to develop creative skills in students.
Choose a flexible classroom layout
The formats in which students work vary greatly, ranging from group projects to individual assessments, listening to presentations, and more. To maintain creativity between various activities, create collaborative learning layouts.
For example, instead of placing desks in rows, arrange them in pods, a U shape, or separate group tables so students can collaborate. To ensure that your classroom can accommodate a variety of activities and learning styles, experiment and change it up.
Adopt a theme for your classroom
Following a theme throughout the classroom, from the bulletin board to the door, is one of the most entertaining and engaging classroom décor ideas. Explain the motif to your students and encourage them to draw connections between it and what they are learning. Whether you choose an Ancient Egyptian theme to tie in with your subject matter or a superhero theme to remind your students of their special abilities.
Make a library in your class
Give your students easy access to engaging books appropriate for their grade level to promote reading. Ask your students to assist you in organizing and categorizing your classroom library or make suggestions for readers who enjoy various genres to add a creative, collaborative element.
Display inspirational quotes
You should include motivational quote posters in your classroom. It will spark interesting discussions and will encourage critical thinking among your students. Encourage your students to think about and debate the significance of each message and its potential applications. In addition, some quotations specifically encourage students to express their creativity.
Encourage practical learning
Students are more engaged in class when they have the opportunity to express new ideas, think critically, and express their opinions through hands-on learning. The key is introducing the theory after letting students first experience the real thing.
For example, before discussing the fundamentals of web design in a media class, let the students build their websites. Then, students can construct paper airplanes as part of a math lesson and use the “flight” data to calculate things like velocity and speed.
Encourage creative assignments format
Give your students the freedom to decide on the format they want to use for an assignment. For example, they might prefer to present their ideas as a photo essay, skit, diorama, or recipe instead of writing the typical book report essay.
Suggested –Tips For Creating Assignment For Students: Strategy For Teachers
Add humor to your lessons
Comedy demands creativity, so incorporating tasteful humor into the school day can contribute to fostering an atmosphere where original thinking can flourish. Encourage your students to create relevant pop culture references, puns, and jokes for a fun dose of classroom wit.
Suggested – How Teachers Can Use Pop Culture to Teach Writing Skills
Explore different cultures
Thinking creatively requires students to develop their capacity for considering various viewpoints. Cultural differences should be celebrated while learning from them. Encourage your students to contribute their cultural context to assignments and class discussions.
You should recognize various international holidays and their historical roots. Host a family Heritage Day at school, and give reading assignments that examine various worldviews and cultural practices.
Act it out
With skits or a class play, get the class moving. Writing original scripts, rehearsing, troubleshooting, and working together to make costumes are just a few of the creative tasks this kind of activity can flex.
Go outside to teach
Set aside a portion of the day to host an outdoor classroom when the conditions are suitable. Pick engaging, exploratory activities that aren’t possible indoors. Think about starting an outdoor project as well, like a vegetable garden. The learning environment gains a completely new dimension as a result.
Teacher is responsible for adding some creativity to the learning environment. Your approach may change depending on whether you’re managing an elementary school class or instructing a high school course. However, this list of suggestions can help in your initial steps.
If you want more information on how to develop creative skills in students, you can get help from Classplus. While focused on your work, you can still enjoy all the advantages of new technologies. Get your own app and reach out to a larger number of students across the country. Don’t wait and talk to our experts now!