Normally a teacher decides what is important and what the best way is for children to reach that target. While children need clear and specific instructions most of the time, I believe it is also important to create more open lesson plans to allow children to exercise their creative muscles. Craft time presents a great opportunity for students to find their own unique methods of creation. While giving step-by-step instructions can be important for children to learn how to follow directions closely and to perform specific manual tasks, less directed activities also help them to learn to experiment and think independently. 

A few months ago I was carefully preparing material for a craft based on the beauty of spring. I planned to teach the children to represent the different aspects of spring’s beauty. I had carefully crafted the various materials to minimize the amount of work children would have to do, and had devised an exact step-by-step plan. Following my example, each student would work to create more or less the same image.

Then, all of a sudden, an idea flashed into my mind. Rather than having children follow my lead, why not give them room to use their own creativity, to follow their hearts? I decided to drop my carefully crafted lesson plan on the spot. 

During the activity, it was children who chose the materials on their own. They even lead their own group discussions. With my encouragement, they worked hard to make their ideas a reality. They were so interested in the whole process, totally immersed in their creativity. When they finished, they displayed and introduced their handworks to each other, confidently and happily. Instead of them all having the same image, now each child had something unique, and could discuss his choices with the class. This way we really did get to see how spring can be beautiful in many ways.

Dear parents, please give your child room to experiment on his or her own. I bet you will be so surprised by your child’s creativity!

Seaside Candy