Creative Thinking & Innovation

Using materials, ideas, and processes in novel ways, combining ideas, and thinking divergently.

Examples & Achievements

• Uses art materials in unexpected ways
• Combines different materials to create something new
• Suggests multiple solutions to a problem ("what else could we use?")
• Invents a new game with rules
• Tells original stories (not just retelling known ones)

How to Measure

• Generates 3+ different uses for a common object (divergent thinking)
• Creates an original art piece or construction that does not replicate a model
• Invents a game or story with at least 2 original elements
• HighScope KDI - Creative Representation observation

Sources (4)

• Reggio Emilia
• HighScope
• NAEYC
• Finland ECEC

10 Exercises

What Else Could It Be? — The Unusual Uses Game › The Tinker Tray — Loose Parts Play › The Inventor's Box — Junk Modeling › Finish the Picture & The Squiggle Game › Invent Your Own Game › Roll-a-Story — Story Stones, Cubes & "And Then…?" › The "What If…?" Game — Possibility Thinking › The Design Challenge — One Problem, Many Solutions › Mixed-Up Creatures — Combine Two Things to Invent a New One › Body Brainstorm — How Many Ways Can You Move? ›