5 Effective tips to involve kids in creative activities!
There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.” —Edward D bono
Absolutely
Creativity is an essential 21 st century life skill that helps in all areas of life. It is an important tool that helps in creating a solid foundation for success in future.
By definition, “Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible or a physical object. Scholarly interest in creativity is found in a number of disciplines, primarily psychology, business studies, and cognitive science.”
Creative people have a better ability and perspective to solve complex problems. In recent era, educational experts are putting a strong emphasis on developing creativity in kids.
According to a recent scientific research , creativity provide an opportunity to kids to practice an original thinking, particularly when they’re allowed to engage in self-directed exploration. Additionally, studies indicate that creativity is a cause and an effect of happiness and has been shown as a sign that an individual is open to exploring their personal identity”.
There are many benefits of fostering creativity in kids.
Benefits of fostering creativity in kids
Here are some amazing benefits of fostering creativity in kids:
- Creativity helps in the process of self-expression. When kids involve in any kind of creative activity, they get a better opportunity to express themselves.
- Creativity supports mental growth of kids. They develop problem solving skills and learn how to cope up with various feelings.
- It also helps in improving fine motor skills, verbal skills, sensory skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Creativity also supports social skill development and overall personality grooming of kids.
- Creativity offers various benefits of physical and mental health of kids. It helps in managing stress and improve child’s mood and overall well-being.
Tips to improve creativity in kids
Here is an interesting infographic that shares some important tips to improve creativity in kids.
Image source: Brainly.co.in
Personal experience
I have two girls, named Angel (12-year-old) and little one Pranjal (age 9-year-old). Since the time of their early childhood days, I had tried and engaged them in various creative activities. From various fun arts and crafts projects to cooking and embroidery, we had done many creative activities together.
In fact, they had contributed in my various blog and YouTube series as an active contributor. Some of these series were:
All these series got great response from readers and viewers and we three had a great time together while filming and executing these creative ideas.
Personally, I had observed various great benefits involving them in these creative activities. such as:
- They had developed a better ability to express themselves and develop a sense of confidence in expressing their thoughts in front of camera.
- They had worked on various creative ideas and it has improved their creative and critical thinking skills.
- It has also developed their fine motor, verbal and language skills.
- They had also learnt the art of presenting themselves to others in an efficient manner.
Though keeping kids creatively engaged offers many benefits for their overall personality development but there are few things that you should kept in mind to make this process easier and smooth.
Many times, fellow moms have asked me to share some tips to involve kids in creative projects and keeping them creatively engaged.
So, in this post, I am sharing 5 effective tips that has helped me to keeping kids creatively engaged. Read the post to know more!
5 effective tips to keep kids creatively engaged
Before sharing the tips (and Gyan) on this topic, I want to share an honest confession regarding this topic.
“Honestly, working with kids and keeping them creatively engaged is not as easy as seems. It takes lots of effort and dedication to convince them to get involved with any creative project. Kids have a shorter attention of span and they get distracted easily. It is a gradual process of teaching them importance of being creative in life and keep themselves creatively engaged.”
If you are someone like me who loves to keep kids creatively engaged or want to involve them in any creative projects (like blog writing. Video filming etc.), then here are few tips that can help you a lot.
Prepare yourself mentally and keep a higher level of patience
Yes, first and most important things, working with kids is a different ball game and you cannot keep the same type of approach as you keep while working with grown-ups.
Kids are impatient by nature and they get bored easily. While working with them, it is very important to prepare yourself mentally by keeping a higher level of patience. Your mental preparation will help in keeping yourself calm and composed. This is the first step that help in making your journey smooth ahead.
Communicate & convey your message clearly
I am sure you all would be agree that positive and effective communication is key to get connected with kids. When you are planning to involving them in any creative project, start the process by communicating with them. When they feel connected with the topic, they give a proper response.
After grabbing their initial attention, convey your message clearly by using simple language. Share all the details about your project (theme, tasks etc.) and ask them, what they think about this idea?
This initial step helps in making a foundation and raise a curiosity level of kids regarding further happenings.
Keep an open mind set & be ready to welcome their point views (and suggestions)
This is third most important aspect for involving kids in any project. Nowadays, kids are so smart and they have their individual ideas and creative suggestions on any topic. While working with kids, it is important to keep an open mind set and be ready to accept and welcome their input on planned topic or theme.
For example: recently, when I had worked with little one on “Embroidery series”, she always had plenty of ideas and her own creative style to complete any stitch.
Do not focus on end result much rather then enjoy the whole process
As a grown up, we all have a tendency to complete any task or planned project (creative or academic) with uttermost perfection. We want an ultimate end result after putting lots of efforts and hard work during process.
Keep remember, you cannot keep the same approach while working with kids. Desire for perfection will lower your patience level and you may end up the whole process with frustration and lack of satisfaction. Instead, keep a flexible approach and put more focus on learning and enjoying the process rather than finishing it with perfection.
Encourage and praise your kids for their hard work and involvement. And tell them areas of improvement politely. When kids enjoy the overall experience, there is high possibility that they will get involved in next time too, in any creative project.
Keep a balanced attitude (strict+ funny)
Last but not the least, keep a balanced attitude (of being strict and funny both) while working with kids.
For example, when you are filming or shooting a video with kids, keep a strict attitude during process. They should understand that it is an important step and we have to complete it with sincerity. After completing main work, do not forget to make atmosphere light with some funny or witty conversations.
Kids should have fun while working, otherwise it will become a boring and lethargic experience for them.
So, these were some easy tips to keep kids creatively engaged and increase their involvements in any creative projects.
What are your thoughts? Did you have worked with kids on any creative project? What was your experience with it? Please share with me!
29 Comments
Alpana Deo
I am strong believer that we should foster creativity among kids. It is a must for their overall development. And in this process, the point about having patience that you have mentioned is very important. I have a 5 year old and i have have a high level of patience when I am working with him on a certain project. But the time we spend together make it all worth it.
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
Fostering creativity right from a young age is beneficial for their development. I love the pointers mentioned here especially where it also clearly specifies the process is more important than result
Rakhi Jayashankar
Your tip about compromising on perfection is so relevant. I used to make this mistake with my first child. Later I slowly learned.
energeticreads
You have addressed an important topic here. Uts great that atleast people are realising this. Your tips are really helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Anjali
I truly believe what you’ve written ..Curiosity and creativity go hand in hand, which means parents should encourage their kids to be open to new experiences and ideas, regardless of their interests. Having patience is very important. I have done art and craft with my kids but have not started embroidery yet. Will try soon.
Milan Singhal
I love the idea of maintaining a dairy to foster creativity. And the last tip of maintaining balanced attitude is a good reminder for moms like me who sometimes becomes strict while working on a project with kids.
Hansa Kajaria
My daughter is a creative soul. She loves to do art and craft the whole day and like you have rightly mentioned as a parent I maintain my calm when I see the mess that comes along with being creative and let her explore.
Gurjeet Chhabra
My daughter is just like me creative lover. I never stop my kids to be creative and explore new things. It is important for their growth too
Imagemakeover
Me and my kids love swimming and do not loose any opportunity to swim. I know there are many benefits of swimming but reading your post I am absolutely thrilled to know that it had social benefits too. Great post.
Sumita Mallick
Fostering creativity right from a earlier age is beneficial for their development. You mentioned the correct points. Totally agree with you. Let me them explore the world
Harjeet Kaur
I absolutely agree with you, Surbhi. But I have seen many parents just giving the kids an iPad or mobile and leaving them to it. Creativity leads to so many benefits. Further in life this creativity can become a vocation as well.
Hansa Kajaria
My kids are super creative. They both love to do a lot of art and craft, make cards or do DIY activites. The super way to keep them busy and away from phone.
rakshanagaraj
These are very good tips. I agree that involving kids in creative activities can stimulate their personality and brains in many ways. They become smarter, and also it is so much fun so helps in bonding as well.
preetjyotkaur
Creativity is an important part of my life and that of my daughters. I love how creativity helps one express the inner most thought in a unique way. It helps us rejuvenate and gives us an opportunity to practice mindfulness. I really liked reading this post and the pointers shared by you are so true and on point.
Humaira
I agree that involving kids in creative activities can stimulate their personality and brains in many ways. Great tips.
Rahul Prabhakar
You’re absolutely right. I always tell my kids to be creative as it allows them to practice original thinking. Your post has just reiterated that I’m on the right track.
mahekg
My Mom and I used to love doing DIYs so I always wanted to do the same with my little one. This year was the first when we started doing small stuff and it was really fun, She is learning so lets see whether she develops more interest in this or not,
rakhiparsai11984
For holistic development of the child its important that we parents helps them learn creatively. And these tips are very good and must try by all parents. And I so agree we as parents need to keep high amount of patience to ensure that kids learn effectively too
Gleefulblogger
Creative thinking is more important today than ever, when we encourage kids in creative activities, we are tuning their minds to cognitive learning. You have raised very valid points here, Surbhi.
Indiacafe24
Kids activities are important and when its with colors kids get more interest and stay involved to show their creativity. encourage your kids to participate in this creative anthology … details here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWU-uD7AjKI/
Sweetannu
Nowadays parents want kids involved in passive and quiet activities for their peace of mind. That is so unfortunate. The activities and tips shared by you are wonderful for all parents to follow
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
Enhancing creativity from young age is necessary. Love the pointers mentioned here that aid in improving creativity
MeenalSonal
Starting the activity with proper explanation is good way to start and I agree that one has to be funny in these kind of activities. Patience is what many parents need to raise their bar to enjoy the most from the activities.
Jeannine
Letting your children exercise their creative mind is very important. Education is really beyond learning through books. It is when someone use their mind and make use of the things that they’ve learned to make something else that makes it more fun and useful in a way. The activities that you’ve shared is really a great way and idea for parents to have fun with their children in a fun learning way.
Vaishali Sudan Sharma
Keeping our kids busy is a task. I always make sure to engage in some outdoor activity everyday to make the day a little less boring.
Archana
Absolutely agree on each and every pointer Surbhi, creativity is something that opens the doors of plentiful opportunities and thoughts among the kids only if its guided by parent’s utmost patience and mindfulness.
Ujjwal Mishra
There is no yardstick or thumb rule while handling children. Creativity helps them in overall growth.
Harjeet Kaur
Nowadays children need to be involved in creativity more than ever. Covid has caged mankind and watching a screen all the time is not healthy at all. You are doing a wonderful job with your daughters, Surbhi. Wish you can inspire many more to do the same.
nooranandchawla
These are all wonderful tips. I particularly like the fact that you have mentioned that parents need to keep a balanced attitude and an open mind as that is usually what most parents ignore.