Think Outside the Box: What is Creativity?
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about creativity and making things.
- Talk about what creativity means and how we can be creative.
- Read a story about an artist who found their creative path.
- Listen to a creator talk about their process.
- Write about a time you felt creative.
Key Words:
- Creativity: Using your imagination to make new things or ideas.
- Brainstorming: Thinking of many ideas quickly, even silly ones.
- Inspiration: Something that gives you a good idea.
- Obstacle: Something that makes it difficult to do what you want.
- Collaboration: Working together with others to create something.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What does the word “creative” mean to you?
- What are some things that inspire you? (Nature, music, art, other people?)
- Have you ever made something that you were proud of? What was it?
Let’s Read!
Alex wanted to be a painter. But sometimes, they couldn’t think of anything to paint! They felt stuck. Then, they learned some tricks. They took walks in nature to find inspiration. They talked to other artists and learned new things. They even started to see their mistakes as part of the creative process. Finally, Alex had a big art show, and it was a success!
Questions about the Story:
- What did Alex want to be?
- What was a problem they faced?
- How did Alex overcome their problem?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of an artist or creator talking about how they get ideas and deal with challenges in their work.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a person who wants to be more creative. The other is a friend giving advice.
Example:
- Person 1: “I want to write a story, but I don’t have any good ideas.”
- Person 2: “Maybe you could try brainstorming with a friend. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone and get their ideas.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a time when you felt really creative. What were you doing? How did it feel?
Extra Fun:
Do a quick brainstorming activity with the class. Choose a topic, and have everyone shout out as many ideas as they can in two minutes. See how many creative solutions you can come up with together!
