Promoting Creativity and Innovation in the Classroom
We want our students to be innovative and dynamic thinkers, but how do we accomplish that? Here’s how to promote creativity in the classroom.
Why Creativity and Innovation Are Important for Students
The school day is jam-packed.
As a teacher, it can be tempting to shift to the most efficient teaching model: “Sit still and listen while I tell you everything you need to know.”
While that saves time, it thrusts the student into passive-learning mode.
We require that students simply store information to recall later.
While that may help students pass a test, it doesn’t do much to prepare them for life.
The world is full of challenges, and our students will need to meet those challenges with creativity and persistence.
How will students become creative and innovative thinkers without the opportunity to develop those skills?
As a teacher, you can structure your day with opportunities for active and engaged learning that promotes creativity and problem-solving.
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Ways to Promote Creativity and Innovation
Promoting innovation and creativity in the classroom is easy if you keep these tips in mind.
Embrace an Attitude of Play
Ask yourself, “If students were to describe our classroom culture, what words would they use?”
While you want to have classroom rules and manage your classroom well, you don’t want the environment to be so rigid that it snuffs creativity.
As a teacher, you set the tone for your classroom.
Are you creative and open-minded, and do you model those attributes?
Do you start sentences with, “I wonder…” in front of your students
Do you try new things in class (even if they don’t work out)?
Challenge yourself to embrace whimsy, wonder, and flexibility in your teaching style, and watch your students follow your lead.
Befriend the Phrase “What If…”
Following the previous idea, you can demonstrate an attitude of playfulness and creativity by wondering aloud. “I wonder if…”
You do not need to have the answer to do this. And you don’t need to rush to Google.
A Google search stifles our ability to solve problems with out-of-the-box thinking.
Present your students with various scenarios or tweaks on existing scenarios. Ask them how they would respond.
Start sentences with “Suppose…” or “Imagine…”
By infusing your teaching with wonder and imagination through simple phrases, you cultivate those qualities in your students.
Assign Open-Ended Projects
Project-based learning is an opportunity for students to flex their creative muscles.
Make sure that some of the projects you assign are open-ended.
Give your students choices and freedom within the topics they present.
This allows them to put their own spin on a project and follow where their curiosity and imagination lead.
Encourage Group Problem-Solving
Everyone has heard the expression, “Two heads are better than one.”
Creative problem-solving gets a boost when you have others to bounce ideas off of.
Make small groups a regular part of learning and assign tasks for group problem-solving.
Weave in Art
There is a reason why STEM is often called STEAM (with an A for Art added in).
Art requires creativity and innovation, a much-needed aspect of the development of science and technology.
You are not just filling time if your students complete arts and crafts projects.
You are providing them with a judgment-free, low-stakes way to channel their creative thinking and express themselves.
Art is a way to stimulate the parts of the brain that are integral to creative problem-solving.
Provide Creative Writing Prompts
To foster innovation and creativity in the classroom, you must provide opportunities to use those skills.
One easy way is to have your students journal.
You can assign creative writing prompts that will get students thinking outside the box.
We have lots of writing prompts on our site.
Here are just a few:
- Picture Writing Prompts to Get Students Writing
- Best Memory of the Year Writing Prompts
- 25 Summer Writing Prompts for Elementary Kids
- 25 Summer Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers
Allow Independent “Passion Projects”
How do you change a student’s attitude on a school assignment and move it from the “Have To” column to the “Want To” column?
Let them pursue a topic that is one of their interests.
By allowing students to choose a topic they are passionate about, you can ensure they will gladly jump into the research phase.
They are more likely to mull over the ideas and knowledge gained from their research.
From that fertile ground will grow an innovative project the child is enthusiastic about.
Emphasize Process, Not Product
Creativity is messy, sometimes literally.
When you are creative, you have to brainstorm possible solutions and ideas. Most of these are discarded.
You often try a new idea only to find it fails.
Students need to be comfortable taking risks and trying new things.
To help them embrace innovation, you must emphasize the process, not the product.
If they come up with an off-the-wall idea, don’t squelch it by saying, “I don’t think that will work.”
Instead, encourage them by saying, “Try it and see.”
Failure is not a sign of ineptitude. It’s the result of trying.
Praise your students when you see them applying effort and creativity to their work.
Incorporate Real-World Problems
Why do we want our students to be creative and innovative?
In part because they will encounter real-world problems that demand creative solutions.
Why wait to expose them to these problems?
Many students have little interest in schoolwork because they do not see the practical application of learning.
By introducing your students to real-world problems, you can motivate them to learn concepts, develop skills, and solve today’s issues.
Here are some examples:
- How can we clean up our local waterways?
- How do you start a business?
- How can we fight food insecurity in our community?
- How can we change/pass [fill in the blank] law?
Take Physical Breaks
Creativity is not something you can order up (like a side of French fries).
Creativity has to strike.
One way to boost creativity is to move physically.
Get your class up and moving when they need some inspiration.
Try these ideas for Brain Breaks for Kids.
Design a Creative Space
Creative thinkers need inspiration. Does your classroom provide it?
You can create a creative environment by designing a space that promotes creativity.
Consider alternative seating.
Group desks for collaborative assignments.
Display inspirational or growth mindset quotes.
Create whimsical and attractive bulletin board displays.
Highlight innovative thinkers from history.
Make Learning Hands-On Whenever Possible
Passive learning (sitting and listening) does not light up the brain like active learning.
Encourage your students to learn actively by making learning as hands-on as possible. Here are some ideas for doing that.
Promoting Innovation in the Classroom
We want to equip our students to solve the problems of tomorrow. Those challenges require the skills of creativity and innovation.
By following these tips, you can promote creativity and innovation in your classroom–and develop tomorrow’s leaders today.
