Habit #11 Be Creative, Imagine and Innovate

Be Creative, imagine and innovate. All human beings have the capacity to generate novel, original, clever or ingenious products, solutions, and techniques – if that capacity is developed. Creative human beings try to conceive problem solutions differently, examining alternative possibilities from many angles. They are intrinsically rather than extrinsically motivated, working on the task because of the aesthetic challenge rather than the material rewards. Creative people are open to criticism.

Students, however, are often heard saying, “I can’t draw,” “I was never very good at art,” “I can’t sing a note,” “I’m not creative”. Some people believe creative humans are just born that way; in their genes and chromosomes. This is far from the truth. Being creative is something that they must work at, not something they are born with.

Around the world, families and communities face a great deal of uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Pangea Publishing wrote this story available on https://www.pangeaeducation.org/the-unwelcome-stranger to provide important public health information through a narrative that empowers parents to discuss this subject with their children. Included with the book are project-based learning activities families can complete with children while they are home from school.

We need to help our children see that there are many ways to generate ideas and solve problems. Let’s help them take risks and push themselves so that they grow.

Brigitte Theunissen / Deputy Head Academics