We know how rewarding it is watching your child immerse themselves in play and exploration. While this comes more naturally when children are younger (or when screens are set aside), it’s important to create opportunities at home for children of all ages to engage in open-ended activities.
We have put together a list of activities that encourage problem-solving and are essential for developing creative thinking and boosting self-confidence. Don’t be intimidated by the inevitable cries of “I’m bored!” on the weekend.
Here are some exciting activities that will keep your child’s mind active while they learn without even realising it!
The Importance of Creative Thinking Skills
Creative thinking skills are essential for solving complex problems without clear answers.
These skills are just as crucial in adulthood as they are during childhood. Every new experience creates connections (synapses) in the brain. Children form these connections more rapidly than adults, and repeated experiences strengthen them. Connections that aren’t used regularly can weaken and even disappear, which is why providing your kids with stimulating play experiences is vital.
Activities that engage the mind and imagination build and fortify the synapses necessary for higher-order thinking skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and abstract thinking.
What Skills Do Kids Need in the 21st Century?
- Curiosity: Encouraging children to be inquisitive leads them to become critical thinkers and innovators. Provide them with opportunities to experiment and create different outcomes. This fosters bravery in exploration and resilience when things don’t go as planned.
- Logical Reasoning: Understanding relationships, causes, and effects is a crucial skill for modern life. Kids can develop these skills by experimenting and observing differences and similarities in everyday situations.
- Creativity: Being able to think outside the box and learn from failure is key to success in any field, whether science, mathematics, language, business, or social enterprise. Encouraging creativity helps children approach problems from new angles.
- Storytelling: In today’s digital age, storytelling is a vital skill. Teaching kids to tell stories through words, images, or videos develops mental skills required in adulthood, aiding in self-discovery, communication, memory, and creativity.
Creative Thinking Activities for Older Kids
While play-based learning is often associated with younger children, it’s equally important for older kids and teenagers. So how do you get them to turn off the TV and engage in something else? The answer lies in STEAM-inspired activities.
What is STEAM? STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. These activities emphasise hands-on learning and encourage problem-solving, allowing children to demonstrate their creativity and innovation.
Engaging STEAM Activities at Home
Build a Rollercoaster
Create a Catapult
Build a Raft
Create a roller coaster using materials like paper straws, cardboard, and tape. Encourage your child to experiment with different designs and materials and see what makes the ‘rollercoaster’ move and spin.
Challenge your child to design and build a catapult. Let them decide the purpose and what it will launch. Incorporating storytelling around the activity adds an extra layer of creativity and makes the task extra exciting for children.
Create your own build a raft challenge using a variety of household materials such as aluminium foil, plastic bottles, cardboard, playdough etc. Kids can follow instructions to build their rafts while exploring new concepts.
Open-Ended “Tinker Toys” for Older Kids
Providing older kids with access to open-ended materials allows them to create without restrictions. Here are some ideas:
- Technology: Use digital cameras, tablets, or smartphones to work on photography or design projects. Tools like AppsBar or Canva can spark creativity.
- Pen and Paper: Encourage writing in any form, whether it’s a story, poem, or letter to a friend.
- Construction Materials: Offer craft supplies, recycled boxes, and other materials to inspire building projects.
- Familiar Equipment: Cooking, sewing, or using tools with supervision can provide real-world experiences that encourage creative problem-solving.
- Fun Challenge: Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower
- This simple yet engaging challenge uses easy-to-find materials and is a fantastic way to develop problem-solving skills. Be cautious of sugar consumption, though!
Encouraging your kids to explore their passions is the best way to inspire creativity. Sometimes, a little prompt can get them started, and our STEM challenge cards offer plenty of ideas for kids of all ages.
Interested in exploring 1:1 specialist classes and STEAM opportunities? Send us an enquiry and we’ll help your child learn and thrive!
[…] Building Family Connections […]