Do you ever watch shows like MasterChef or Project Runway?
The general concept is that chefs or designers are given a limitation and a challenge, such as "use black garlic, pineapple, and rainbow chard to make a breakfast dish" or "turn a potato sack into a bridal gown."
These shows are totally my jam.
The open-ended nature of these challenges enhances problem-solving skills while encouraging innovation, adaptability, and perseverance.
It's fun to imagine how we might integrate pineapple into a breakfast dish while seeing how someone else's mind noodles on the same problem.
Solving problems with creativity is something our brains are wired for.
We love it, and our brains release dopamine when problems are solved.
When it comes to making art, open-ended prompts offer similar opportunities to access the imagination to tackle problems.
With open-ended prompts, kids:
Feel empowered by their own creative ideas.
Are intrinsically motivated to make connections and pull solutions together
Push against the limits of their abilities, which leads to growth
Have the chance to express themselves and their ideas, which leads to validation and originality
Let off steam by following their own rhythm, ideas, and interests
If you want to witness this in action, try this prompt to make Shape Monsters.
The materials are string, paper, and a marker.
The challenge is to create a monster.
If you want to engage children to think like artists and inventors, projects like this are the way to go.
You can explore and experience creatiivty-boosting prompts that support critical thinking and imagination for little makers in TinkerLab Schoolhouse Art Studio.
Enrollment closes June 14.
Details here ⤵
Schoolhouse Art Studio
Would you like to fill your child's summer with creative art and playful experiments?
Join TinkerLab Schoolhouse Art Studio for access to:
A searchable library of 300+ creative activities
Video and PDF lessons for each activity
All designed to save you time and boost creativity
