Creativity

As a kid, I used to love drawing.  My favorite Christmas presents were usually art related, e.g., a new sketch pad, pastel chalks and the like.  I spent HOURS drawing animals, people, landscapes, etc.  As I got older, my interest shifted to music.  I learned how to play the guitar and eventually joined a band!  I was able to continue releasing my creative tendencies through music.  I no longer do either and miss it greatly.  Both were a source of comfort and joy.  Oh, I intend to do them, but never seem to find the time with raising kids, working, housekeeping, etc.

While cruising the net the other day, I came across an example of how our ability to think outside the box changes as we get older.  The story goes like this:  A teacher puts a dot of chalk on a chalkboard and asks a classroom of sophomores what they see.  They respond with the obvious -- a chalk dot.  She points out to them that she asked the same question of a group of kindergartners the day before and elicited responses such as a squashed bug, the top of a telephone pole, an owl's eye and the like.

So what happened between kindergarten and high school that so drastically changed the kids ability to give anything but the obvious answer?  Where along the line does the ability to think so freely become so subdued?

I was really discouraged to think about this point.  I look at my kids and am amazed by their creativity.  I had read somewhere that there is a strong correlation between creativity and intelligence.  This from the stand point that creativity encourages ones ability to problem solve and again to "think outside the box."  Think about the likes of Bill Gates and the Wright brothers.  Now some would conclude that they are more analytical, but I would say that the ability to develop computer software for lay people and to get a hunk of wood/metal up in the sky must come from individual who are able to think outside the box.

I found an interesting chart that outlines the different ways the right and left brain process information.  Which sounds more like you?  Which sounds more like your child?  You can also take the Right Brain/Left Brain Quiz for artists.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my right and left brains work together equally.  I think that is a good thing?

What things do you do to foster your child's creativity?  Tomorrow, I will share something I came up with that has resulted in the development of two prolific artists in my home.  Until next time!