Creating Creative Children

 

Children are naturally creative--we call it “play.” As they grow, however, that creativity does not always grow with them. Here are some ways to encourage your children in the development of creativity throughout life.

READ.  Reading opens a child’s eyes to horizons beyond their present world. Read to them before they can read themselves, and provide abundant resources when they discover books on their own. Read Bible stories, history, biography, science, fables, adventure, classics, mysteries and riddles. Every new reading level should provide the excitement of untrodden discovery.

ACT.  Encourage children to experience their new discoveries. Dramatize Bible stories. Perform science experiments. Solve mysteries. Answer riddles. Visit Oz, Narnia and Middle Earth in their imaginations, becoming the characters they meet and admire in their reading.

WRITE.  Invent languages. Draw maps. Compose music. Write biographies of Bible characters. Turn skits into movies. Communicate with email pen-pals. Tell stories. Poetry, lyrics, fables, dramas, legends, family histories, allegories, tales and articles should be shared with grandparents, and others who will applaud and encourage further creative works.

Being made in the image of God includes possessing a mind capable of creating, emotions which urge us to create, and a will that prompts creativity. Let’s throw open those doors to unlimited horizons for our children.