Creativity is an important skill that your students must have, no matter what career they’ll be pursuing later. When children can think outside the box, then they can explore different ideas, solve problems, express themselves with ease, and more importantly, develop a can-do attitude. All of these things are important not just in academic success but life in general. What’s interesting about creativity is that you can foster it even in the very classroom. Here’s how you can create a class conducive to creativity:
Dedicate a reflection space
Silence can do wonders in promoting creative thinking. When students are given the space to take a break from the barrage of lessons and shut out distractions, they’re able to free up their mind and let it explore other ideas. Thus, set aside a corner for your reflection zone. Have some comfortable chairs, like bean bags or ottomans, and pair them with low round tables. Put up a corkboard and post some reflection prompts. Change the posts now and then. You can also put some art supplies in there so that children can quickly sketch out their thoughts whenever they feel like it. Keep the clutter out by providing smart storage areas, like tote trolleys or wooden cupboards. Encourage the children to stop by your reflection corner during breaks or before or after classes.
Limit your displays
It seems counterintuitive to reduce classroom decorations and tuck away students’ works when you’re aiming to spark a broader imagination. But heavily decorated environments can do more harm than good. When taken to the extreme, displays can distract students and even get in the way of learning. Not exactly the kind of atmosphere that breeds creativity. So before visual aids turn into visual clutter, make sure to keep the displays to a minimum. Perhaps show only the latest of your pupils’ works. After a while, take them down, put them in your storage cabinets, or have the students bring it home. As for the actual classroom decorations, the rule is to occupy only a third of a wall. Keep some of the corners bare.
Pay attention to colours
For sure, you’re well aware that colours can influence moods. They can put your students ‘in the zone’ for creativity. Thus, be more strategic in your choice of hues. According to studies, blues and greens are ideal for promoting tasks that require thinking outside the box. Incorporate these into your classroom. Use different textures, like wood, steel, stone, or even plants to avoid the visual monotony in the space. You can also add some bright colours, like red, orange, and yellow.
In the end, creativity is an essential trait that every pupil in your classroom must learn. It’s an asset that can promote academic success, and more importantly, personal growth. Offer an environment conducive to creativity with these tactics. If you feel uncertain, you can seek the help or advice of experts in interior design. You can get some inspiration from them and maximise the space in your classroom.
