Creativity and Elementary School Subjects

We know what creativity means. We have used it in different contexts. There is almost nothing new to say of it, because it has been explained many times and in many ways. It’s a popular notion that all things should be kept in moderation, and that even too much of a good thing is bad. For creativity, I don’t think it applies. Which is why I think we can still look for new ways to explain it. It is simply impossible to get enough of creativity. There is no such thing as too much of it.

I’m rather fond of using analogies when explaining things. In fact, I’m a fan of the technique. Comparing a thing using less complex terms is the best method of getting the message through because you can interchange the variables to better fit the comprehension of your audience.

Here are the different ways creativity is similar to the basic subjects in school:

• Creativity and Math

In Math, we learn about shapes, counting, measuring, grouping, and reordering. Creativity is pretty much about all those things too. We calculate a lot of things in our creations like, how long it takes to finish,  and at what angle can we get the best results from.  We may also change the arrangement of the elements of our work until it is shaped the way we conceptualized it.

• Creativity and Science

Generally, Science explains the nature of things so it involves observing, theorizing, testing theories, and making conclusions. It’s the same thing with creativity. When we see a piece of art that we find interesting and realize that we can do something like it, we examine how it’s done, think of new ways of achieving it, until we discover the most effective way of doing it.

• Creativity and Reading

This is not limited to literary artists. Even painters, performers, and other types of artists need to read because, well, reading is fun. Those who read know that it is more than just a hobby. Those who don’t, need more encouragement from people who do. Reading stuff that are related to your creativity outlet may boost your skills. It makes you have a better understanding of the history and mechanics of your craft. The effect of practice in both creativity and reading is directly proportional. The more you read, the better your comprehension. The more you create, the more innovative you become.

• Creativity and Language

Different languages follow different syntaxes. And the thing is, the more you worry about being grammatically correct, the harder it is to convey what you really mean to say. You have more chances of being understood by using layman’s terms but, when you settle for simplicity and not try to learn the scheme of one language(or many languages for that matter), you will pose as someone who is a little less articulate. Relating this to creativity, it’s okay to be guided by the fundamental ways of making things, but if you are too cautious about straying from the nitty-gritties of the art, you might end up producing a piece that easily blends with the rest.

• Creativity and P.E.

Gym classes are encouraged in schools because experts believe that the body should be as active as the mind. Often times, creativity requires field or physical exercises to help induce more imaginative thoughts or concepts.

I would have also included creativity’s likeness with the study of History, but I figured that the latter may as well fall under Reading. To become more creative, we must relate creativity to many things, things that we encounter everyday.

“Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement. And it’s the one thing that I believe we are systematically jeopardizing in the way we educate our children and ourselves.” – Ken Robinson