Google it. Information today is prevalent, almost overwhelming at times.
A college biology professor confided in me, "Students can look up answers on their phones before I even have a chance to contemplate the question. So, what is my purpose in the classroom?" Our children will reside in a world where knowledge is simply not enough to succeed.
Technological advances over the last decade have been astounding. When I look at what my iPhone alone can accomplish I am awed: calling, texting, photos, GPS maps, internet connection, video chat, etc. The list goes on and on. If you really want to be floored, pop on over to TED and watch a few talks on biotech or the wonder of 3D printing.
How do we prepare our children for a world we cannot even imagine?
The answer is simple: CREATIVITY.
In the book, The Artful Parent | Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art & Creativity Jean Van't Hul explains that creativity and art can be found in trying new science experiments, taking a nature walk, baking or even planning a teddy bear tea party. This paragraph particularly resonated with me:
Creativity is the ability to think outside the proverbial box, to string two unrelated ideas together in a new way. Solutions to major problems and breakthroughs of all kinds are linked to creativity. The ability to create is vital to the success of our children and the well-being of our world, now more than ever...
Individuals, organizations, and governments seek innovative solutions every day. According to the International Child Art Foundation, "Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property--the key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century."
The world needs more and better creative thinkers.*
Is pulling out the paint really the key to success? In all honesty, as a Modern Mom, I don't have time to constantly orchestrate extensive projects. In our house creativity takes a different form: a one-of-a-kind car built from LEGOs, an architect in the sandbox, a little composer at the piano. The author explains:
As parents and teachers, we can offer an environment where it is safe to experiment and create, where questions are encouraged and children have free access to the materials they need and enjoy. We do this not to produce career artists but to raise children who are confident and comfortable with their creativity in whatever form it takes.* {Jean Van't Hul}
Whatever form it takes.
My brother is a real estate mogul. He flips houses. He finds homes in distress, remodels them, and then sells them at a profit. He uses just as much creativity in his day-to-day work as I do as the Director of Digital Content Marketing at my local agency.
Creativity will help your child advance in a variety of fields: engineering, teaching, law, medicine... and any career related to technology.
If you read the blog The Artful Parent you know Jean's projects are fun, well thought out, and doable. Her book goes beyond projects and helps teach parents how to create a creative environment for their children.
The entire first half of the book is dedicated to accomplishing this goal; sections include: Making Space for Art, Gathering Art Material, Encouraging your Budding Artist, Sustaining Inspiration and more. Pop on over to Amazon to take a peek inside the book.
How do we prepare our children for a world we cannot even imagine?
The answer: CREATIVITY.
We simply need to make space for it.
PS: I asked the girls to bookmark their favorite projects. This is how the book was returned to me:
*Citation permission: From The Artful Parent, by Jean Van’t Hul, © 2013 by Jean Van’t Hul. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA. RoostBooks.com
Jean Van’t Hul, mother of two, lives with her family in the mountains of western North Carolina. She has been writing about children’s art and creativity on her blog, The Artful Parent, since 2008. A graduate of Wellesley College with a major in art history and studio art, Jean worked in various art and nonprofit fields before devoting her time to writing and raising kids. She loves to share process-oriented art, seasonal crafts, and joyful learning opportunities with her own daughters and through her children’s art groups, her magazine articles, and on her blog.
{Source: Amazon}
Order Jean's book The Artful Parent |Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art & Creativity on Amazon today. If you do, save your digital receipt number. Pop on over to Jean's site, people who pre-order also get a copy of her spring crafts eBook for free.
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