Ways to boost your child’s creativity outside the classroom!

A recent poll revealed that Singaporeans spend three times longer on property searches than reading bedtime stories to their children or speaking to their parents. Has our world spiralled out of control? You may ask, “Why is creativity so important?” As claimed by our Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, our children here need to be more creative. How then, as parents, should we encourage a passion for studying and creativity? Therefore, I hope this article will inspire you to rethink the way you raise your child!

1. Trips to the public library

According to a National Arts Council survey, there is a general lack of time and interest, where the majority of Singaporeans prefer online pursuits to read books. However, if we intentionally set aside some time to visit our friendly neighbourhood library, you will come to realise that it provides access to a myriad of well-curated collection of books and archives for both children and adults! Moreover, our libraries allow our children to immerse themselves in a new language through periodicals, books, audiobooks and even resources online. To access a list of kid-friendly libraries, refer to this link here.

2. A day trip

The day trip encapsulates more than just going to a museum or the science centre.  It could be as simple as going to the water park or the farm! You could refer to the myriad of places here. In this digital age, it is not very common for children to engage with their natural environment that stimulates their five senses. A day trip is an opportunity to spark curiosity and conversations. You will definitely raise children who love to learn as they will begin to see the relevance of their accumulated knowledge in their day-to-day life. For example, a trip to the supermarket may allow your child to apply what he has learnt in his mathematics and science lessons! Last but not least, beyond just broadening your child’s horizons, you might have just possibly fuelled his potential hobby!

3. Tap on technology!

There is a wide range of free learning applications. Click here to refer to some applications! This method of engaging your young ‘digital native’ is what will get you through the long haul! Apart from these applications, there are other forms of technology that can enhance creativity in your child such as e-books! Click here to find out more!

4. Get your child involved in classes, camps and retreats

Beyond the classrooms, it is very important to create home learning activities. This will allow your child to be purposefully engaged! Reports say that Singapore graduates are facing creativity gap. What Singapore is facing now is that parents/educators fail to tap on the child’s creative potential when they were in the earlier years of their developmental stage, which is from 12 to 20 years old!

One way of engaging your child is by signing him up for available camps out there, which will definitely benefit the kinaesthetic learner in your family. Click here to find out more!

References:
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/property/singaporeans-spend-more-time-on-property-searches-than-reading-bedtime-stories-to
https://sbr.com.sg/hr-education/commentary/singapore-graduates-facing-creativity-gap

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