Time for Creativity in Elementary

The best teachers push and pull everything from every minute of every day. They squeeze the potential and pull every ounce of talent from their students. The best teachers know that every second is valuable and make the most of the opportunity to learn. However, many Elementary classrooms have very little time allotted for creativity.

Random Stuff 

One of our classrooms recently created a station called creativity. At this station, the students were given a box of supplies with random things. Items such as plastic trash bags, tissue paper, napkins, paper clips, close pins, glue, scissors, markers, and other supplies. The directions were simple - be creative.

The teacher was surprised when the students were confused. Students responded by saying, "We've never had no directions." "What do we do if you don't tell us what to do?"

The teachers seized this as a moment for creativity. She responded by repeating, "Be creative. If I tell you anything else, you won't be creative. You'll be following directions. We need to be creative."

Creative Flow for 17 Minutes

It took a few minutes of staring at the random items. But then, they were hooked. The 17minutes were not merely enough as it flew by in a blink. The students went to create some very intricate products. Some students created dragons. Others created airplanes and tested their flight by modifying wingspans. Other students created study guides for their science class. The products ranged from engineering to artwork to pieces of literacy.

It certainly isn't a hard task, but it does take trust. Yes, the products were not academic - on this first time. BUT the thinking was very academic. Trust that the process of creativity can you yield great returns. If you're a great teacher, and you know how to make every minute count, you can afford time for creativity in your classroom. Give it a try. Good luck. And let creative flow begin.