Tips For Making A Creative Classroom
Oct 03, 2019
Children whose bodies and minds are active learn better and perform better in school. Research shows that movement activates the areas of the brain that help with several different cognitive functions. Activity generated during playtime, and even during lessons, is equally beneficial to students, especially for creativity, focus, and behavior.
Let's take a moment to review some ideas to give your classroom the inspiration it needs!
Tips For Making A Creative Classroom
- Classroom Collaboration/Team Building. Classroom collaboration can spur creative thinking and encourage the exchange of ideas with students. Putting students in groups for certain in-class assignments will enable them to experience different perspectives while also working towards a common goal. It's possible for teachers to incorporate social media to add a digital element.
- Implementing Creative Arts. Teachers can instruct students to create graphs in order to solve math problems or summarize historical events in poetic verse. Introducing the various arts in the classroom can breathe new life into bland subjects.
- Journaling. To spark creativity, students can write down their thoughts and ideas in journals during the school day. Teachers can consider assigning free writing exercises at the beginning of class.
- Unconventional Learning Materials. TED Talks, videos and podcasts are a great way to bring fresh voices into the classroom. Students can watch or listen to interesting talks for homework and then have a provocative discussion about them in class the next day. These talks are bound to spark interesting insights from students, and they may even be inspired to pursue a particular subject as a result of this experience.
- Gamification. There are studies that have found a correlation between students who play video games and higher levels of creativity. Implementing gamification, or the application of the typical elements of game playing in the classroom engages students in goal-oriented activities. There is no shortage of education-related video games from which teachers can choose.
- Make Creativity Grading Criteria. When grading student assignments, teachers should consider creativity into the grade. Was the response to the assignment original and did the student express themselves? Teachers can take the information into account to encourage more creativity from their students, with a grade that is rewarding.
- Be Colorful. Vibrant colors are often limited to elementary schools, but encouraging students to think about new ways to use color can spark creativity in all walks of life, not just education. Implementing conversations about colors and how they’re used will generate talk about moods and cultures as well as sciences and fine arts.
- Turn On The Music. Music can be invigorating and inspirational so it seems reasonable that it should be brought into the classroom. Implementing music in the classroom can be a great way to inspire students, encourage multi-sensory learning and help them visualize using their mind’s eye.
The Takeaway
Creativity faces an uphill battle. As the pressures of standardized testing can make any teacher feel as though creative thoughts don't matter. However, we don’t want our students’ creativity to end with the comments they leave on social media. It is important for them to learn and want to look at every problem they face with a creative eye. Anyone from educators to parents can lay the foundation for a creative classroom, so get started building yours today.
If you're looking for fun activities and exercise programs for your kids and teens reach out to us at Gantry Kids & Teens in New York. We're looking forward to working with you and your kids. Whether a novice or elite athlete, we got you covered with classes, after school, camps, the occasional Saturday night, private training or even celebrating a special event. We’re Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! Contact us
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