Creativity in the Classroom


How could creativity potentially impact on primary education? 
Csikszentmihalyi (1996) suggests that creativity does not happen inside people's head, but in the interaction between an individual's thoughts and the socio-cultural context. 
Children who are being creative in the classroom are curious, and they question and challenge. They look at things from a different view points, and explore options and ideas. Teachers should encourage children to be creative and build these very important skills. "Creative teaching is being collaborative, which involves engagement, reflection, and transformation. Creative learning involves asking questions, exploring options and ideas. (Grainger, T & Barnes, J. 2006). Creative teaching can be described as teachers using imaginative approaches to help keep learning exciting and interesting. Teachers can encourage creativity in schools by making their classrooms inviting and ensuring there are resources available. Imagination enhances creativity and learning, we can use resources to help our imaginations to grow. Discussing creative ideas with others can help to stimulate ideas. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative approach to early childhood education which uses a great amount of creativity. It began in 1945 by parents of the town of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. “Our task regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more. (Edwards, 1993). Loris Malaguzzi provided the leadersip, he took inspiration from Vygotsky, Dewey, Piaget and Bruner. The environment played a great part in the Reggio school, all of the schools have art studios with professional artists. Malaguzzi believed children have many ways of expressing themselves including through art, music, and play. (Abbott and Brown, 2009).  Brunton & Thornton (2007), through their research, suggest that children are innately creative and should be encouraged and given the time and space to develop their creativity freely.
I believe children benefit immensely from being creative, it builds cognitive and social development. Being imaginative, thinking critically and problem solving all build children’s intellect and make the child more self-confident and are all things that children need for there futures in society and the working world. There are many ways we can encourage children to be creative such as, outdoor activities, involving natural materials from the environment. Role play, singing, art, questioning and sharing and expressing feelings.

References 
Abbott, L. and Nutbrown, C. (2009) Experiencing Reggio Emilia. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Brunton, P., & Thornton, L. (2007). Bringing The Reggio Approach to your Early Years Practice. Oxon: Routledge: Retrieved from ebrary database.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996) Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. New York, Harper. 
Edwards, C. (1993) The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education. Alex Publishing Corporation.
Grainger, T and Barnes, J. (2006) Creativity in the Primary Curriculum in J. Arthur, T. Grainger and D. Wray. (eds.) Learning to Teach in the Primary School. London: Routledge. pp 209-225. 



Comments

  1. Unknown10 December 2017 at 11:13

    I have found your blog very informative, and it clearly shows the importance of creativity in a class, I think it is evident that it should be a part of a children's learning process and therefore in cooperated into the classroom. From my research I have come to the conclusion that the way forward is to use creativity as the main tool through cross curricula learning. Although many have the view that numeracy and literacy should be the main focus of the education system. What are your thoughts?

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    1. Unknown11 December 2017 at 13:57

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  2. Unknown11 December 2017 at 13:58

    Thanks Marisa, glad you found it informative. I believe giving children the opportunity to be creative is of the utmost importance. From my experience of working in a nursery with young children, i always strive to include the areas of learning in the daily planning. And to deliver these in a creative way. I very much believe literacy and numeracy should still be a main focus along with creativity.

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