Creative thinking does not assume that there is one right way to draw but it plays with the possibilities. The possiblities are endless and your child will be making choices all along the way. Allow your children to play at their art. Linda Naiman, in our quote of the month, says, "...it is play that stimulates creativity."

To be creative children must feel the freedom to explore, to make mistakes, to try one thing, and then another. Don't criticize the work, but say, "Tell me about this." Don't be strict about the use of too much paper. If paper usage is a problem, purchase cheap reams of copy paper for drawing and painting.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY

At an early age give your child choices. My one year old grand-daughter is presented with a variety of vegetables on her plate and she chooses which ones she wants today. She chooses between a green or yellow bow in her hair, etc.  As children get older the choices become more involved, but can still be framed within your own guidelines and structures as a parent.

Believe that creativity is a gift your children possess because they were created in the image of God. Every child is a creative child. This idea influences the things that come out of my mouth. I will become an encourager if I believe there is creativity in every child I talk to and I only need to allow it to flourish.

Provide quiet uninterrupted spaces and times so that their minds can rest and put together ideas. One cannot be creative in the presence of loud TV programs and other devises which are designed to be intrusive to our thoughts.

Supply the necessary tools and materials so that when children get creative impulses they can immediately work it out. Give children access to certain materials that you feel comfortable with them having. Creative ideas are fleeting. Keep paper and pencils around all the time.

Praise the end product without making improvements on it. Allow the child to evaluate the results for himself and make the necessary adjustments in his next try. When we approach anyone with praise that is specific, they are not only open to our suggestions for improvement, but they will be ready to explore in a creative manner the next time. 

These suggestions, when put into action, encourage children to let go and have some fun, resulting in more creativity being expressed. Artistic Pursuits curriculum can help. It is not a single= method approach. It is a learning style that involves children in choosing their preferred subject matter, their preferred method of mark-making, their own arrangements, and more. While offering real instructions, there are many decisions that are left to the learner. Creative children love to make these kinds of choices.