In the words of the famous Albert Einstein – “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Therefore, fostering a child’s imagination at a young age is important, as creativity & imagination contribute to the child’s emotional well-being and also help in mental development. By allowing the child to be imaginative, you are encouraging him to have dreams, see magic, and believe that it is possible to create an ideal world. Here are simple techniques to spark up your child’s imagination;
#1 Read and Recreate Stories
Reading is the best way to broaden the child’s imagination. The more you read, the more children are exposed to newer ideas, concepts, and a spirit that compels them to dream differently. Though the storyline is the same for every reader, its interpretation and understanding could be different. Adults must not only stick to conventional stories but also narrate a story that is completely made up by them. In this way, children learn that it’s okay to script their own stories or change the plot of the original story, so as to make the read more intriguing. Also, ask questions after the story has been read to your kid. For example: If you were the author, how would you change the ending of the story? What do you think about this character’s role in the story, how could it be any different?
#2 Encourage Unstructured Play
Unstructured play doesn’t follow a specific pattern or set of rules. The child is free to do as he pleases and this gives him pure joy, unlike the instructions ‘do this’ / ‘don’t do that’, which he has to follow every single day. When the child feels blissful and free, he ‘thinks out of the box’ which gives a boost to his cognitive capabilities. Some examples of unstructured play are; listening to music and then creating one’s own tunes using simple instruments like; egg shakers & tambourine. Building something like a ‘model’ by using LEGO® Education toys, is another way of encouraging unstructured play.
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#3 Indulge in Art Activities
Undoubtedly art fosters imagination and creativity. Through artistic activities like; drawing, painting, clay molding, children actually express their emotions and bring ideas to life through their artwork. Visual arts motivate children to create something original, that cannot be copied or duplicated exactly the same way, by anyone else. Hence this instills a sense of confidence amongst youngsters, as they take pride in flaunting their original piece of work to peers. While making art, children also develop eye-hand coordination and learn to have undivided focus.
#4 Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time in nature naturally relaxes your senses and one feels stress-free. Looking at the beautiful natural blooms and green foliage around, helps overcome creative blocks. When the child’s mind is infused with positive energy, they are more attuned with their self and this boosts their creativity.
#5 Boredom is actually good
Children dislike being idle and they just want to be doing something all the time. But once in a while, it’s necessary to leave them doing nothing. Yes, you heard it right, do nothing! When kids have no work or play at hand, they find ways to entertain themselves. And while doing this, you might be surprised at the novel ways they find to keep themselves busy. Watch them playing dress-up with a bedsheet or create fairies by using clothes-drying pegs. However, don’t interrupt …shush..just observe from afar and fret not about the mess! Afterall, ‘The world is but a canvas for our imagination’ said Henry David.
