Developing Visual Organization Skills: Legos
Tonight Brayden found out he was ‘so smart’ when he put his Lego plane set together – all by himself.
Well, it wasn’t exactly all by himself. Uncle Matt was nearby directing and encouraging.
creativity for children
Kids and Creativity: Did you know it’s – Keep Kids Creative Week?
Most people think being creative is about doing art, and while it is very much about art, creativity has applications far beyond the art classroom.
Creativity is a life skill.
Back to School: First Day of Kindergarten
Yesterday was a big day in our family. Like so many families this time of year, we sent a little one to his first day of kindergarten. Along with first day photos and excitement came a bit of anxiety, some for our new student and even some for mom.
Stop Talking: Using Pictures Instead of Words
Classrooms and homework tend to be very language heavy and may overwhelm visual students,
Art & Academics: Back to School – Back to Art
As we get our kids ready to go back to school, let’s remember how important it is for them to get back to art.
Here’s a great Cinderella story about how one principal used art to dramatically transform a failing school.
Creativity Requires Quiet
Do you want to be more creative? Have the next million-dollar idea?
Do you want to be in the ranks of Einstein, Picasso or Steve Jobs? Then it’s time to get creative… and quiet!!
Creativity is an internal process that requires time spent in imagination. But today’s world is busy; so many things demand our time, attention and energy. That generating original ideas can sometimes feel more like work than play.
Thinking creatively is an internal process. It’s about finding and connecting thoughts to arrive at new conclusions and new ideas. This kind of thinking comes naturally to the right side of our mind, but we need to slow down and “tune in” to hear it. We can all be creative, but we have to get quiet enough to hear ourselves think.
Boost Creativity: 10 Quiet Activities for Kids
Creativity is a thought process but to hear our thoughts, we need to turn off the noise and tune into what our mind can imagine. Being comfortable 
in the quiet needs to start in childhood. Here are 10 ways to help your kids enjoy being quiet.
10 Quiet Activities for Kids
- Building with Legos – Legos and other construction toy sets provide hours of quiet focused activity. While your child is deep in thoughts assembling pieces, their mind is learning to see and imagine, three dimensionally. Prepackaged sets help kids learn to see and follow directions, while independent pieces allow for more creative assemblages. Provide a balance of both.
- Drawing and Coloring – Crayons, markers and sketchpads provide endless opportunity for time spent in quiet reflective thought. Be sure to stock up on lots of different drawing and coloring supplies for your child. A package of copy machine paper and set of washable markers, is a low cost investment with a high return.
Kids and Creativity: Klutz Books
Klutz books are an easy way for kids to be creative. But what makes these books so special? 
Kids learn best when they can see, touch and do it. This hands-on approach is what keeps kids engaged and having fun! Klutz books are the standard in experiential hands-on kid’s crafts and science topics. Originally developed by three Stanford graduates, the company has since been acquired by Scholastic and gone on to develop an impressive line of activity driven books for kids that include all the materials and easy to follow directions.
