How to Encourage Creative Thinking in Primary Children

Getting your primary students to think creatively may seem impossible. In reality, primary students are at the right age to develop their creative thinking abilities. So, what can you do to help facilitate the creative thinking process? Read on.

*Encourage questions

Young children are naturally curious. They will ask questions about almost anything. Instead of discouraging their many questions, educators should encourage them. Yes, some of the questions they ask may sound silly. However, these silly questions are your primary students’ way of formulating creative ideas and concepts.

*Allow them to make decisions

Encourage your young students to make some decisions. Young children often like to take the initiative. They begin to imitate the adults around them, and they want to do things their own way. So, let them. These decisions can be something as simple as which coloring crayons to use to color the grapes on their coloring sheets. Letting them make decisions will allow them to learn independence and encourage creativity.

*Allow them to make mistakes

It is hard to watch your students made decisions and then fail. However, it is through these experiences that primary students learn how to come up with creative solutions to their problems.

*Praise their efforts

Always praise your students’ efforts. Praise will increase their self-esteem, and motivate them to keep trying. By praising your primary students’ efforts and creative ideas, you are encouraging them to try new things and letting them know it is okay to be different.

*Open ended questions

Ask your primary students open-ended questions. These questions shouldn’t have simple “yes” or “no” answers. They should make the students think. It may take a few times for your students to adjust to these types of questions, but once they do, they will begin to use their imaginations.

*Read to them often and discuss what you have read

Books offer students a way to use their imaginations. Reading takes them to magical worlds and foreign lands. It offers them an escape from the “real world”. By listening to you read, your students are using their imaginations and learning how to think creatively. So, read to your students often and discuss the stories that you read as a group.  

*Print rich room

Create a reading friendly room. Have print everywhere. Keeps books and age appropriate magazines readily available for your primary students.

*Model Creative Thinking

Model creative thinking for your primary students. Young students are very impressionable. So, let them see you working on creative projects. Work through problems out loud so that the students can see how you solve problems. And, definitely let them see you read.

As a teacher, you have a wonderful opportunity to cultivate your primary students’ creative abilities. Encourage them to ask questions, to use their imaginations, and to “think outside the box”.

Ways to Be More Productive Teacher without Losing Your Mind

Teaching is a demanding job. It is almost impossible to keep up with all the paper work, be a successful teacher, and still have a family life. So, what can you do get it all done in a day and still have time for your family and yourself? Here are some things that you can do to increase your productivity at work.

Get a Good Start

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. Eating breakfast will help to provide you with the fuel you need to make it through a hectic day at school. It is difficult to deal with a room full of bouncy children when you are hungry. Even when I don’t have time for a full meal, I try to grab a quick piece of toast and some type of protein before rushing out of the door.

Get Focused

As teachers, we know how important it is to stay focused. So, I would suggest that you meditate, exercise, read, or enjoy a simple cup of coffee. Do whatever it takes to get your mind focused and ready for the school day.

Do One Thing at a Time

I love to try to multi-task; however, when do more than one thing at a time, I end up making a mess. Contrary to what your bossy may tell you, multi-tasking is really not a good idea. Instead of trying to focus on three or four things at a time, only focus on one. Complete that task. Then, move on to the next task.

Prioritize

Decide what needs immediate attention and do it first. Like most people, I have more energy in the morning. So, it makes more sense to do the most demanding tasks first and save the easier tasks for after lunch when your energy starts to wane.

Have a Routine

Have a set routine. You should have set days for giving test and quizzes, and you should have set days to teach each of your state objectives. This will help to save you time and allow you to be more productive. It will also provide stability for your students

Plan Effectively

One of the keys to being a more productive teacher is planning. Plan your lessons early. I know this can be difficult to plan days before you finish the lesson you are currently on. However, this ensures that you don’t get behind on all those tons of paperwork. Remember, these are only plans. Nothing is set in concrete. You can always go back and remediate students who didn’t get it. And, you can always go back and make changes to your lesson plans.

Organize

Okay, I have to admit that I am not the most organized person in the world. My desk is often cluttered, and I tend to collect and keep tons of student work. However, one of the best ways to be more productive as a teacher is to be more organized. I have found that my day runs a lot better when my desk is clean and my files in place. And, I get a lot more work done. Trust me. I know you are busy, but take the time to get organized. It will pay off in the long run.

It is possible to be a more productive teacher. Have a set routine. Plan effectively. Get organized and stop trying to do it all at one time.

 

http://voices.yahoo.com/teacher-survival-effective-teacher-without-11979272.html
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/08/23/25-tips-to-become-more-productive-and-happy-at-work/