Creativity is a value tool for classroom management
I have found creativity to be a wonderful tool for self expression but also for classroom management. We know as teachers that we have incredible amount of curriculum that we are expected to teach. Quite frankly, kids need a mental break. When you implement creativity even in small ways into the classroom, you are allowing the relief many of them need to be able to engage the rigor of the curriculum for maximum retention.
Here are 5 ways I have found creativity to be a handy tool in the classroom:
Improves fine motor skills: Many creative activities, such as drawing or cutting, require fine motor skills. Practicing these skills through creativity can improve dexterity and coordination.
Promotes teamwork and collaboration: Creative activities can be done alone, but they can also be done in groups. Collaborating on creative projects teaches children how to work together, compromise, and communicate effectively.
Provides a sense of accomplishment: Completing a creative project gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, which can boost their self-esteem and motivation.
Develops imagination and curiosity: Creativity encourages children to use their imagination and be curious about the world around them, which is important for their overall growth and development.
Promotes a love of learning: When children engage in creative activities, they are often learning without even realizing it. This can help foster a love of learning that can stay with them throughout their lives.
Overall, creativity is an important part of a child's development and has numerous benefits that can help them grow and thrive in many different areas of their lives.
Why creativity is good for children
robin norgren is a curriculum writer who creates montessori daily lesson plans and art lesson plans to partner with you as you use your superpower in the montessori or charter school classroom.
I have been a K-6th grade art teacher for several years now. I continue to teach online classes and create curriculum for the classroom. I have seen first hand that creativity is a powerful tool for the teacher mainly because it ultimately helps with classroom management. I know that sounds odd, doesn’t it? But in the world of too many worksheets, self expression is the secret weapon. It gives the students an opportunity to express themselves without feeling the need to talk with their neighbor.
There are numerous reasons why creativity is good for children, including:
Encourages self-expression: Creativity allows children to express themselves in unique and personal ways. This helps them develop their own sense of identity and self-awareness.
Enhances problem-solving skills: Creative activities, such as drawing or building, require children to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Fosters emotional intelligence: Creativity helps children understand and manage their emotions, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.
Boosts cognitive development: Creativity has been linked to improved cognitive development, including increased memory, attention span, and language skills.
Increases confidence and self-esteem: When children engage in creative activities, they are able to see their own abilities and accomplishments, which can help build confidence and self-esteem.
Part 2 will give you more thoughts to consider. I encourage you to consider finding ways to increase creativity in your classroom experience.
Sensory Activities: 5 Reasons your Students need them
The Sensorial Area of a Montessori classroom was a very valuable one for me in my years as a Montessori teacher. I recognized how this seemingly simple activities were a gateway to more complex activities that demanded a certain level of concentration and determination.
Here are 5 reasons why sensory activities are good for children:
Stimulate Brain Development: Sensory activities encourage children to use all of their senses and help stimulate the development of neural connections in the brain, which is critical for early childhood development.
Enhance Learning: Sensory activities allow children to explore the world around them and help them develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Develop Fine Motor Skills: Many sensory activities involve using small muscles in the hands and fingers, which help children develop fine motor skills that are important for writing, drawing, and other everyday activities.
4. Boost Language Development: Sensory activities can help children build their vocabulary and communication skills as they describe what they see, feel, smell, and hear.
5. Promote Calmness and Regulation: Sensory activities can also have a calming effect on children and help them regulate their emotions and behavior, particularly if they are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or overstimulated.