Let us guess. You stopped drawing, singing, or playing the guitar because you were not good at it. This is your wake-up call; Creativity does not need excellence.
You don’t remember what creativity is? Let us help you! ’’Creativity is the knack for devising fresh and valuable ideas or solutions that go beyond the ordinary. It’s about thinking innovatively, combining elements in new ways, and sparking originality in various aspects of life. This skill drives innovation, adaptability, and personal development.’’
In a world brimming with technology and constant change, the ability to think creatively isn’t just a gift reserved for artists. It’s a vital skill that transcends boundaries, propelling innovation and success in various aspects of life. At Morphoses, we’re dedicated to nurturing this essential skill from a young age, understanding that creativity is the cornerstone of personal development and success. In this blog post, we’ll explore how creativity is intricately linked to a range of soft skills, its pervasive presence in everyday life, and how you, as parents, can identify and cultivate it in your children.
Creativity and Soft Skills — An Inseparable Duo
Creativity isn’t solely about painting masterpieces or composing symphonies; it’s about finding novel solutions, thinking outside the box, and adapting to change. These qualities are fundamental to many of the soft skills we value at Morphoses. For example, consider Problem-solving — a skill that relies heavily on creative thinking to devise innovative solutions. When children engage in open-ended activities that require them to think creatively, they naturally develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the realm of art.
Observing Creativity in Everyday Life
We are sure, a lot of times, you think to yourself ‘’I want to draw…’’, ‘’I want to play the guitar…’’ but all these thoughts are followed by the insidious ‘’but’’, ‘’…but I’m not good at it!’’. And here we are, telling you that yes, you are not good at it, and that’s okay. Being creative does not equal being good. So many people stop following their passions because they are not excelling at their hobby, with the result of thirsting their creativity. So, instead of discarding your children’s countless drawings, save them and celebrate their pure creativity.
Photo by Tamanna Rumee on UnsplashLet’s play a game: How many uses of a paper clip can you think of?This question has intrigued various groups, including creatives, researchers, and children! When young children are asked to brainstorm potential uses, they effortlessly conjure up numerous creative ideas — more than 100 uses for a paper clip! In contrast, adults often struggle to come up with around 10 to 15 ways. This concept of diminishing creativity as we age has been thoroughly explored in the research by George Ainsworh-Land and Beth Jarman (2000), titled “Break-point and Beyond: Mastering the Future Today.” Eugenios Trivizas has commented on this concept and the specific study in his speech, “Uncharted Waters” (watch it here). Trivizas delves into how our capacity to generate diverse and imaginative ideas tends to decline as we grow older, inadvertently limiting our perception of possibilities. The aforementioned study assessed the same individuals at different stages of their lives. Specifically, at the age of 5, the percentage of children who reached the highest score — more than 145 uses for a paper clip — was 98%. Quite unbelievable, isn’t it?Science Backs Creativity’s ImportanceScientifically speaking, fostering creativity from a young age isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Research has shown that encouraging creativity enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. A study published in the “Eurasian Journal of Educational Research” (Siburian, Corebima & Saptasari, 2019) highlighted the strong correlation between creative thinking and academic achievement. By nurturing creativity, we’re laying the foundation for well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.Embrace Creativity with MorphosesMorphoses takes a dynamic approach to developing creativity by integrating it into our gamified learning activities. We embrace the paper clip method, and we allow our students to create! Through engaging sessions, children embark on a journey that stimulates their imagination, encouraging them to think beyond conventions. Even if your child isn’t inclined toward traditional art forms, they can still excel in creative endeavors. Our tailored curricula help children harness their unique strengths, fostering creativity that extends to problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative decision-making.Creativity isn’t a talent reserved for a select few; it’s a skill that each individual possesses in varying degrees. By recognizing and nurturing creativity from a young age, parents and educators can empower children with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. At Morphoses, we’re committed to fostering creativity through our experiential learning platform, helping children develop not only their artistic abilities but also the soft skills that are essential for life.
