Promoting Creativity at Home
While in isolation, and as we begin to open things up again, you might feel pressured to keep your child happy and entertained, without them falling behind on their education. On the scale that goes from unlimited screen time to assigning hours of math worksheets, promoting creativity has to be in the perfect centre. Every child is an artist because young minds are not restricted by the way things are ‘supposed’ to be done, meaning they are better able to improvise. With some gentle prompting, children can keep their bodies entertained and their minds active through creation.
Reading
When your child is reading, or you are reading to them, give them some scrap paper or a notebook, and encourage them to write down things they notice or wonder about, or what they think might happen next. Or, when reading together, assign roles and act out a scene together. It is not necessary to stick to the original plotline in the book, but by using the story and the characters as a starting point, your child can imagine the story in their own way.
Writing
Children can also write their own stories. If your child doesn’t take to this naturally or doesn’t have an idea, try giving them small prompts. For instance, have them think of two books they have read or movies they have watched recently, and get them to choose a favourite character from each story. Then encourage them to write a story where those two characters from the different stories meet and go on an adventure together. The Adventures of Shrek and Hermione Granger, anyone?
Drawing
There is no better love story than a child and a fresh pack of markers. While everything they create will be precious, you can make this more enriching by prompting them to illustrate a scene from a book they are reading. Ask them to pay attention to details in how the author has described the scene, and try to include them in the drawing.
Dancing
It is easy to forget that dance does not require special training or precise choreography. And, it is easy to forget that exercise does not require push-ups or burpees. Push the furniture against the wall, turn the speakers up and move! This is a way for you both to get some exercise, to shake off worries, and to encourage freedom of movement.
Remember to not frame these activities as chores. Refrain from statements like, “You can’t watch TV until you have finished two chapters.” Creativity must come from your child’s natural desire to explore and innovate. The more positively you speak about these activities, the more you can nurture the little artist inside of them.
Keep creating!
The TTK Team
Check the links below for more information.
>https://www.kusi.com/tips-to-keep-kids-engaged-in-reading-while-at-home/
>https://www.pe.com/2020/04/18/during-coronavirus-lockdown-parents-can-find-ways-to-foster-kids-creativity/