How Creative Are You? What About Your Child?

Creativity has many definitions, but we do know that many of the behaviors of creative adults are also those of young children.  Consider these lists:

Characteristics of Creative Adults               Characteristics of Many 4 Yr. Olds

Curious                                                                        Curious

Expressive                                                                   Language Explosion

Spontaneous                                                               Uninhibited

Self-Confident                                                              Independent

Playful                                                                         Playful

Adventurous                                                               Adventurous

Open-minded                                                              Inquiring

Intrinsically motivated                                                 Active Participants

(Torrance, E.P, 1964;  Isabell, R.T. & Raines, S.C.,2007)

Interesting questions arise when we examine our environments for supporting creativity.  Adults and children need time to think, encouragement for ideas, choices in materials and activities, opportunities to take risks and make errors, chances to explore, examination of others’ views, time to develop interests, and question ideas and problems.

The creative process leads to problem solving, brainstorming, and levels of complex questioning and thinking.  I hope you take a few minutes to review the list of creative characteristics for both you and your child.  Next week I will include activities to support your child’s creative development.