It’s January, which means it is the beginning of a fresh, new year! While many people are making health-related resolutions, have you ever thought about resolving to improve your creativity?
At the start of each new year, I like to get my students thinking outside the box by encouraging them to brainstorm their own creativity-related resolutions. I challenge them to think of one creative goal they would like to accomplish in the next year and make it happen. Creativity not only includes visual art, but also music, writing, acting, dancing, and comedy.
Here are some simple suggestions to inspire your students to get creative this year.
Measurable goals are clear and easily relatable to creative projects or skills. As students work toward a measurable goal, they can see their progress. For example: “I want to create ten paintings in the next year.”
Remind your students to choose a goal that feels challenging, but not too challenging. A goal that is too challenging can be discouraging. On the other hand, a goal that’s just outside of the student’s comfort zone can be inspiring.
Encourage your students to choose a creative skill that they enjoy and want to improve upon. Even if students do not consider themselves particularly creative, they can still work on creative projects. If they are not sure what skills they want to cultivate, here are a few suggestions:
Writing
Art
Photography
Performing Arts
Music
These are just some simple ideas for inspiration. What ideas can you and your students share with us? How do you plan to get creativity flowing in your students in 2019?