Raising Creative Thinkers Network discussion

Creative Children Like the Animals of the World

The idea is to go past reading and into the realm where children ideate, even make a product that they can brag about.

My 5 E's method simplifies this:

1) Explore - we discover the world by reading.
2) Experience - We play with the new information.
For example: Draw a drawing about it.
At this stage it is important to ask two kinds of questions:
Questions Google can answer - to find out more about the topic, and
Questions Google cannot answer - to ignite thinking together with the kids. In the process the children start coming up with ideas and insights.
3) Examine - We check the kids' ideas with them.
4) Elevate - We recommend how to take the ideas to the next level, making a product. Maybe write about it (If we ask the children to rewrite what it probably won't work. But if we ask them to elevate what they wrote, that is a totally higher level of experience.
5) Express - We invite the children to present their product, talk about it, elaborate and gain creative confidence.

I hope this is helpful. Please share your tips for using books to foster kids' creativity.

Michelle

My grandson did not want to read at seven years old. His scores were low. He hated the activity. I started reading with him at night over Facetime. His choice of what to read- He'd read one paragraph, and I'd read the next. It didn't matter; soon, he preferred reading with me to playing on the computer. He'd call when they were away for vacation. to read that night's chapter.
We read Harry Potter twice, the Percy Jackson series, and Captain Underpants, to name a few. It went on for three years. We read adult fiction as well; He likes scary or adventure books. We'd pretend to be the characters and read in different voices. We'd spend hours discussing the subject. He read both my and my son's books as well. Eventually, it stopped. He's 15 now and doesn't need my help anymore but it was a wonderful experience for both of us. Is he an avid reader? No, but he's not a reluctant one anymore.