10 Ways to Encourage Creativity in Children
As parents, many of us constantly search for new ways to inspire and encourage our children’s curiosity, creativity, and interest in the world around them, and help them grow up successful, innovative and productive members of our society. So, how do you encourage creativity in your children? Read on…
How to Boost Creativity in Children
Role Playing: “Mom, can you play with me?”
“Mom, can you play with me?” – How often do we hear those words? And what kind of games do our kids want to play most?
The most exciting and creative play is role-playing. How do you role-play with your kids?
Begin by making up new games, songs, and stories. Then, come up with outfits and characters’ voices for your new song or story. Lastly, take turns playing and drawing new ideas. Make pictures and videos to share with friends and family! Not only can such games go on for hours and even days, but they also boost creativity in our children and bond us with our kids tightly, creating a more satisfying relationship.
So, let your child’s imagination run wild by acting out stories together. Dress up, invent silly voices, and create new characters. Build forts, pretend you’re explorers, or stage a living room play. Role play builds confidence, empathy, and storytelling skills- plus, it’s a blast!
Building Things: From Cardboard to Miniature Motors
I didn’t have Legos growing up. However, I built toy cars using cardboard for the bodies, cups for wheels, pencils for chassis, and even tiny motors for engines. When I started school, I subscribed to a kids’ magazine called Young Technician and learned about electricity and mechanics. I proudly showed my dad how wires connected to make things work. Now, as a busy working mom, I still love fixing small electrical problems around the house. Building things sparks curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on creativity.
Telling Stories: From Imagination to Published Tales
Kids love telling stories. It’s their way of making sense of the world. So, encourage them to write their stories down, draw scenes and characters, or even publish them on kid-friendly websites. Storytelling not only boosts vocabulary but also ignites creativity in a big way. Plus, these stories make wonderful gifts and keepsakes. How else do you encourage creativity in your kids?
Sharing Photos: Capture and Celebrate Moments
Thanks to many online photo publishing platforms, it’s easier than ever to create original projects about your latest trip, school event, or holiday. Kids can design photo books, slideshows, or collages. They can even share them with friends and family. That will further help them turn memories into creative keepsakes.
Learning to play an instrument: From Piano Duets to Lifelong Joy
Growing up in a musically inclined family of engineers,
I started taking piano and singing lessons at age 5. Even though I did not always like practicing scales, I remember the thrill of composing duets with my childhood friend and shyly performing for our parents.
Music lessons teach discipline, creativity, and joy. Moreover, those early experiences stay with you for life.
Taking singing lessons: The Magic of Voice
Running a music school business, I often tell parents how much kids enjoy voice lessons. Personally, I have never met a child who did not love singing. As a former choir participant and children’s choir conductor, I’ve seen kids transform during singing lessons Moreover, the lessons help forget daily troubles, teach to focus, and dive into the world of music, beauty, and dreams.
Staging a Theatrical Show: Laughter and Creativity in Action
When I was a child, our family and friends met weekly for cheerful sports, theater, musicals, and fun activities.
One favorite was staging theatrical shows in someone’s living room, then recording them on video.
We created show titles, plots, roles, and hilariously ridiculous costumes.
Our performances were often interrupted by laughter, and even more laughter during video playback!
Theater encourages imagination, teamwork, and joy.
Performing as a Family: Sing, Dance, Create Together
Singing together, making up songs, and performing as a family is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities you can do. It brings everyone closer and creates lasting memories.
Try it tonight. And, you’ll be amazed how much fun it is.
Making Art: From Giant Cardboard to Potato Stamps
We shop at a local wholesale store, where, besides groceries, we pick up huge cardboard sheets that would otherwise be thrown away.
The store staff loves that we recycle creatively. Using these giant canvases, along with paints, brushes, stickers, and homemade stamps made from potatoes or bell peppers, my kids and I create roads, cities, holiday art, and musical instruments- plus a great mood anytime.
Check out some of our projects here: Music DIY for Kids
Learning a new language: Open Doors and Minds
I love watching kids switch effortlessly between two or more languages. As a bilingual parent who learned two new languages as an adult, I’ve enjoyed the process.
Moreover, you gain unbeatable benefits: better memory, new friendships, and reading world literature in the original language. Thanks to apps and online tools, learning a new language is easier than ever. Give it a try and watch your child’s creativity and confidence soar.
About the Author:
Olesya MacNeil holds three Master’s Degrees in Music Performance, Pedagogy, and Elementary School Education. Moreover, since 1991, she’s been teaching piano and voice to children and adults. Furthermore, Olesya founded Music Teacher LA, a Los Angeles-based music school offering quality in-home lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and drums.
She trains teachers and ensures every lesson is both educational and fun.
Today, Music Teacher LA provides hundreds of weekly lessons to families across Los Angeles!
