Unleashing Your Child's Inner Creative Genius
Did you know that the creativity of most 4 and 5-year-olds is nothing short of genius? At EverWild, we have the privilege of witnessing this phenomenon every day, and it's backed by some fascinating research. In 1992, NASA sought a method to accurately assess the creative potential of its rocket scientists and engineers. To achieve this, they enlisted the expertise of Dr. George Land and Dr. Beth Jarman, who were tasked with creating a test specifically crafted to identify individuals' aptitude for divergent thinking and creativity. In that remarkable study, an astonishing 98% of the 4-5-year-olds they tested were classified as bona fide creative geniuses. Yet, here's the poignant part: as they progressed through school and into adulthood, that genius seemed to dim. By the time they reached high school, only 12% retained their creative spark, and in adulthood, a mere 2% still held onto it.
But fear not, because we are passionately committed to preserving the creative genius within our little ones - ensuring they remain the creative geniuses they were born to be! And we know you're on board with us. So, here are some fantastic ways you can nurture their imaginative brilliance right at home:
Provide Open-Ended Materials: Offer a diverse range of materials that allow your children to create and explore in their unique ways. No rules or instructions are required; let their imaginations run wild!
Encourage Imaginative Play: Transform your living space into a wonderland of possibilities. Provide props and materials that ignite their creativity, encouraging them to step into new roles and adventures beyond their everyday reality.
Support Outdoor Exploration: If you're enrolled with EverWild Forest School, you're already on the right track! Nature is a boundless source of inspiration. Encourage outdoor exploration and play with natural materials. Share quality family time with activities like gardening, outdoor art, and family hikes.
Offer Diverse Experiences: Broaden their horizons by exposing your children to new adventures, activities, foods, music, museums, and cultures. Every experience adds a new layer to their creative thinking.
Be Their Biggest Cheerleader: Create a nurturing environment where your children feel free to express themselves and take bold risks with their creativity. Your unwavering support will empower them to embrace their boundless creative potential.
At EverWild, we believe that every child is a creative genius waiting to shine. With your support and these simple yet powerful strategies, you can help your child keep their creative genius alive and thriving.