One of NISD core beliefs is that all students will be learners who are ready to tackle the 21st Century by building on eight different attributes. Here at Lieck we will support, guide, and build on these characteristics through our class meetings and guidance lessons. Every month we will spotlight one of the NISD Learner Profiles. Students will explore each profile and we will post a learner profile with dinner table talk conversation starters for our Lieck families to explore at home. Table Talk is a great way for families to connect and strengthen relationships with each other.
For the month of November, we will be focusing on the NISD Learner Profile, Creator. A creator designs new ideas, techniques, or products.
Helping Children Develop as Creators
Children are naturally curious, imaginative, and full of creative potential. As parents and caregivers, we can help nurture these traits by creating the right environment, providing encouragement, and modeling creativity ourselves.
1. Provide the Right Environment and Tools
Set up a creative space:
- Create a special area—big or small—where children can explore and create freely. A small table with art supplies, building blocks, or recycled materials signals that creativity is valued at home.
Offer varied materials:- Provide open-ended materials that can be used in many ways, such as cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, craft supplies, or natural items like sticks and leaves. These encourage imagination and problem-solving.
Embrace digital tools:- Technology can be creative too! Encourage children to use age-appropriate digital platforms for art, storytelling, or design—while guiding them in responsible and safe online use.
2. Foster a Creative Mindset
Encourage questioning:
- Ask open-ended questions that promote curiosity, such as:
“What are you trying to make?”
“How do you think that could work?”
“What else could you try?”
Value the process, not just the product:- Celebrate effort, experimentation, and persistence rather than focusing only on the finished work. This builds confidence and helps children see mistakes as part of learning.
Allow for free time and even boredom:- Avoid over-scheduling. When children have time to be bored, they often find their own creative ways to explore and play.
Encourage them to be the teacher:- Let your child take the lead in creative play or projects. This empowers them to make decisions, express themselves, and build leadership skills.
3. Support Creativity Through Specific Activities
Hands-on projects:
- Activities like drawing, building, sculpting, or inventing encourage imagination and fine motor skills.
Storytelling:- Invite children to make up stories as they play or create their own books—on paper or digitally.
Connect with nature:- Go outdoors! Collect natural materials for art projects or simply observe patterns and colors in nature.
Movement and play:- Encourage dance, drama, or role-playing to express creativity through movement and imagination.
4. Model Creativity
Show your own creative process:
- Let your child see you being creative—whether you’re cooking, painting, gardening, or solving a household problem.
Demonstrate creative problem-solving:- Talk through your thinking when you face challenges: “Hmm, that didn’t work—what else could we try?” This shows children that creativity is about experimenting and finding new solutions.
Creativity grows when children feel free to explore, make mistakes, and try new things. Your encouragement, curiosity, and willingness to model creativity make all the difference!
-from Google AI
