What is Creativity?

Where do ideas come from in the digital age?

Creativity is not just for the “gifted and talented.” All children are creative. Even all adults are creative. It’s part of our heritage as human beings.

Creativity is not just in the arts. Creativity is at the top of the list of best characteristics for business leaders. Scientists need creativity to gain new insights and solve tough problems. All areas of life need creativity.

Creativity isn’t just being clever or cute. Real creativity takes thought, work and serious play.

Creativity isn’t the opposite of “logical.” Creative thinking may go “outside the box” but it doesn’t mean it’s frivolous or impractical. Creative work needs both logic and fancy—both wild imaginings and concrete possibilities.

Creativity is an everyday thing. If you don’t think you (or your child) is creative, it may be because you don’t realize how many decisions you make in a day or how many problems you solve. These involve creativity as much as do making visible products.

Creativity is innovation. Coming up with new possibilities is a creative act. Creativity is an important part of 21st Century Literacy. http://www.p21.org/overview/skills-framework

Our children need creativity. Our future is unfolding rapidly. We can’t possibly predict what information our children will need to succeed or what skills they will need to develop. But if we nurture their creativity, we will be equipping them to face, adapt to and even conquer whatever the future may bring.