The below blog is part of a series of blog posts that Commotion Dance and Guests are writing this year to address the importance of being creative. This is in response to the BBC article published early this year about creative subjects being squeezed out of schools.

Nature, that can be observed freely around us, and in areas that are more obscure (deep in the oceans and high above in the cosmos), speaks to me of the inevitable existence of a ‘higher power’. If you watch Blue Planet or other revealing programs about our planet, the Creator is unfathomably creative with a sense of humour – have you seen some of those creatures that live in the ocean depths?

In my more recent role as a Grandmother I should, perhaps, feel responsible for passing this ‘awe and wonder’ element onto future generations but, in fact, the roles are reversed. The ‘magic’ of discovery by children in every aspect of their environment, reawakens the child-like quality in me, as they explore every day objects and situations in exciting and creative ways.

On a visit to South Africa, ten years ago, to observe ‘Creativity in Schools’, the message was very clear. The most impoverished schools were the most creative. They needed to be, in order to give maximum opportunities for learning, with minimum resources. The dedicated and hard working staff achieved this. Exciting lessons promoted learning despite a lack of technology, books and materials. Children there thrived! Pre-school children will naturally thrive too, if the adults around them promote, and provide opportunities for creative play.

I recently had a ‘light bulb’ moment when I realised that, for my grandson the car breaking down was an opportunity for a sense of adventure and inquisitiveness to kick in, rather than a worry. How would he be rescued in this real life adventure? Parents are often their most creative and resourceful in the face of adversity, to protect their children from unnecessary anxiety.

My top tip for being a creative grandparent is ‘become as little children’ (Matthew 18: 3). See the world with a sense of inquisitiveness and playfulness, through the eyes of the child. Treasure time together and learn from each other. See problems as opportunities to be solved with a sense of adventure. Grandparents can encourage resourcefulness and positive thinking too. How many ways can a plastic bowl get used for creative games? I’m still learning.

My world is a better one because being creative allows me to remember what is really important in life – the next generation. Solutions to problems can be achieved through creative ‘out of the box’ thinking. Many of the jobs of the future have not yet been invented and will need many skills, including imaginative solutions to problems. Let us prepare our children for the task ahead….

“Come on Grandma, let’s play!”

 

Liz Hargreaves

Grandma, Mother and Deputy Teacher (retired)

www.commotiondance.co.uk