Moon Kids: Bringing Creativity To Life
Is Your School Outstanding In Creativity?
Education is an ever-evolving institution, perpetually seeking improved methods of imparting knowledge to the next generation. From humble chalk and talk beginnings there have been gargantuan leaps throughout history thanks to technology and a greater understanding of effective teaching methods. The late 90’s saw the introduction of a focus on S.T.E.M subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and then a few years later came the inclusion of another letter, A for the Arts, turning STEM into STEAM. But what is the next evolutionary educational leap?
Creativity
Education through creativity is a teaching ethos in which students are guided to use play, imagination, critical thinking and innovation to acquire knowledge and discover innovative solutions for themselves.
“Logic will get you from A to B.Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein
But Why Is Creative Education Important?
People who have learnt through creativity have enhanced compassion, are more likely to question the status quo and have the confidence to consider alternative inventions. On a grand scale – Studies across the globe have shown that characteristics that are vital to the continued evolution of mankind are creativity and innovation! The solution to the world’s unbalanced food distribution, the discovery of new, clean fuel sources, the revelations that will counter global warming, (to name just a few) are all epic issues just awaiting an innovative breakthrough from a creative society. From an individualistic perspective – We live in a culture in which creativity, adaptability and versatility are becoming more necessary to succeed in a fast-paced global economy. Research has shown that workers who have the flexibility to adapt tend to earn more money, live happier lives and generate more new ideas across ALL industries! This means that the next generation’s successful people will be those who can realise creative solutions, both big and small, across a myriad of commercial enterprises.
What Does This Mean For Your School?
According to a number of UK, U.S and Singapore based studies, schools that have increased creativity based learning methods have also seen an increase in the levels of engagement and motivation in school goers, directly impacting behaviour, and motivation and as a result, grades. This means that educational policy is witnessing a transformation in the way that creativity is nurtured in schools. Teaching methodology is increasingly evolving from teacher-led instruction to student-led exploration of core subjects. This means utilising kids school furniture, nursery softplay equipment, playground equipment and the power of the imagination and critical thinking to implant information. It means a less pressured and a more effective learning environment!
How Can Your School Immerse Creativity Into Everyday Learning?
1. Make Surroundings Inspirational
Gone are the days of dull grey walls and rows of beige desks. Vivid and varying colours, natural light and comfortable seating (that encourages conversation) are a welcome sight. Images of nature, challenges and games, weaved amongst kids furniture like shelves, cubbies, desks and drawers, become a base template that young minds can build on. Research has shown that allowing children to contribute to their school environment improves their sense of acceptance and belonging, increasing self-esteem and motivation. Building a community means allowing them the freedom to influence their surroundings with simple pleasures like painting benches and decorating hallways.
2. Get Physical
Recess is crucial to social and emotional intelligence, it gives the brain a break from the classroom and is important to physical health too (and it is also awesome fun). Playground equipment and stand out school furniture that have versatility and lasting appeal provide the building blocks for endless creativity so that students have the freedom to fill in the blanks with their own boundless imaginations. This means investing in quality soft play equipment and sustainable indoor and outdoor play equipment.
3. Teaching Creativity Means Teaching Creatively
A 2013 study based on creative learning environments in education found that teachers who are supported and empowered to innovate and improvise are more motivated to devise unique learning methods for their pupils. A creative teacher establishes compassionate and accepting environments where making a mistake is a key part of learning. They encourage autonomy by guiding students in self- assessment and they take controlled risks in their classrooms by allowing students to learn with independence.
4. Feed The Senses
A sensory room is a space dedicated to the exploration of all of the human senses. Originally designed as a therapeutic space for children who have communication limitations, but further reaching influences on all students are being discovered. A sensory room is typically furnished with engaging soft play equipment, swings, water toys, light games, and shapes infused with aromas. These are designed to encourage the safe exploration of the environment using multiple senses to promote stimulation and engage with the world. Sensory rooms increase fine and gross motor skills, improve communication and decrease anxiety and behavioural issues. These elements all contribute to improving self- awareness and general learning abilities.
5. Support Individuality
The innovative use of different learning materials in the classroom allows students to process data in the way that is most suited to their unique mind.
* For the early years, the introduction of a simple themed playhouse lets children practice social norms through role-play to improve their understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication cues that can otherwise be confusing.
* Spelling words out in sand or scented cream helps students to connect letters with their sounds using more of the senses, which improves retention.
* Provide teenagers with recyclable items and a short note with very basic instructions then stand back to see the amazing variety of results.
6. Reward Risk Taking
It took Thomas Edison endless months and well over 10,000 failed experiments before he finally discovered how to get his battery design to work! His determination and limitless curiosity taught him over 10,000 lessons along the way! No failed experiment is really a failure if a lesson has been learned. Having creative methods and educational play integrated amongst the kids furniture everyday learning in your classroom will increase the happiness and motivation of the leadership team, the teachers, support staff, students and parents, making your school community outstanding leaders in creativity.
Take a look at some of the inspirational products that Moon Kids have created including kids furniture in Dubai, playground equipment in Abu Dhabi, softplay equipment in a Dubai nursery and kids events rentals in Dubai.
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