"To be able to make something new."
Expanded Definition
Creative is an adjective that describes the ability to generate or conceive original, imaginative, or innovative ideas, solutions, or expressions. A creative person often thinks outside the box, demonstrating resourcefulness, inventiveness, and a flair for seeing possibilities beyond conventional boundaries.
Etymology
The word "creative" is a combination of the English verb “create” and the English adjectival suffix “-ive.” “Create” is borrowed from the Medieval Latin word creatus, which is the past participle of creare, meaning "to make, develop, , or cause." The adjectival suffix “-ive” is derived from Middle French -ive, from the Latin adjectival suffix -ivus. The term entered the English language in the 14th century as creatif, borrowed from the Old French creatif. Over time, the word evolved to be "creative", and its meaning describes the characteristic of someone or some process that forms something new and valuable.
Classroom Strategies
Instill creativity in your students by fostering an environment that values originality, imagination, and innovation. Implement these strategies in your classroom to enhance your students' creative skills:
Encourage open-mindedness: Teach students the importance of being open to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. To encourage this, engage your students in activities where they can freely express their ideas without judgment. Try facilitating craft-making activities, problem-solving exercises, and debates about fun, age-appropriate topics.
Encourage questioning: Foster a classroom culture where questions are welcomed and encouraged. Encourage students to ask "Why?" and "What if?" questions to stimulate their curiosity and creative thinking.
Prepare open-ended projects: Assign open-ended projects that allow students to explore topics from multiple angles and express their ideas creatively. Encourage them to choose their own topics and decide how to present their findings.
Recognize the important role of mistakes: Create a safe environment where making mistakes is seen as part of the creative process. Teach students that failures are opportunities to learn and improve.
Incorporate arts and music: Integrate art, music, and other creative forms into lessons, even in subjects traditionally considered non-creative. By doing this, you provide students with examples of creative outputs, which can stimulate their own creativity. It also makes learning more engaging.
Allot time for exploration: Dedicate specific class time for exploration and free thinking. Allow students to pursue their interests and explore topics they are passionate about.
Encourage students to showcase their creative work: Recognize and celebrate students' creative achievements. Display their work in the classroom, host exhibitions, or organize creative contests to showcase their talents.
Discuss the importance of feedback: Feedback is crucial in fostering creativity as it helps students refine their creative work, learn from their mistakes, and build confidence in their abilities. Through class discussion, help students become more open to feedback and constructive criticism.
Encourage critical thinking: Help students analyze and evaluate their ideas and the creative works of others to refine their thinking.
Connect creativity to real-world scenarios: Show students the relevance of creativity in various fields and industries. Help them understand the importance of creative thinking in their future careers and personal lives.
By implementing these strategies, educators create a supportive learning environment that nurtures creativity in students. It's important to adapt these strategies to continually inspire and motivate students to explore and express their creative potential.
Resources
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
Find out more