Thinking Outside The Box

Thinking Outside of the Box – 297

When I consider thinking outside of the box the first idea that pops into my head is swimming against the stream. Thinking outside of the box does require creativity something that may not come naturally to some children. However, it can be nurtured. Some fear creativity because of the fear of being wrong however many kids don’t know a typical solution and will look for others.

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Thinking Outside of The Box

I know I know. You already have your books – your curriculum – fill in the blank, whatever that is (by your objection) -it takes too much time, and on and on. Yet, you can begin incrementally – start with baby steps. Use short periods of time — while you are fixing lunch, give the kids a baggie full of random parts and ask them to
create something. I have some ideas I’ll share in this show.

Today we will discuss not only some fun activities you can use with your kids to get those creative juices going but also ways to encourage thinking outside of the box when coming up with solutions. I will then present some actual hands-on ideas on how to get started.

When we are thinking outside the box we try to stretch our kid’s ideas and imagination. Here are some ways to accomplish this:

1. Hang off the couch upside down. Look at the world from a different perspective.
2. Draw a picture – then turn it upside down – what do you see?
3. Look at the clouds – study shapes. What do you see?
4. Look at the end result and work backward.
5. Close your eyes and listen – really listen. Do this outdoors and in different places.

Seeing things from a different perspective, using our senses is a way to train our minds to think differently. Some solutions don’t work and that is why I want to present a series of do’s and don’ts

Some do’s and don’ts
1. Don’t do it for them – but yes, it’s okay to allow failure
2. Silly isn’t always best – but it could possibly work. Give kids the benefit of the doubt.
3. Do something else for awhile – sometimes taking a break helps the solution come to mind.
4. Don’t reward frustration. Sometimes out kids get frustrated so we think we need to stop. If they are frustrated do #3 – take a break but go back.

Here are some ideas to spark creativity and thinking outside of the box.

Light the Bulb

Get a light bulb to light via a battery.

Supplies: battery — aluminum foil – tiny light bulb

Ask the kids to use these items to make the light bulb light. If you have studies conductivity that is great, if not let the kids go and watch!

Building:

You can give them a topic – marshmallows/ toothpicks -create a car – create a house… first give them free reign.

The next time:

Use a timer, and select one thing – a house etc. Allow the children to build against the clock – against a sibling/ friend / against you. Who can build a structure that is 3-dimensional and can stand?

Pick a Challenge

Start with something familiar to kids – such as sorting socks.

How can you wash socks and come out with matches after laundry time?

Brainstorm ideas – take a challenging task and brainstorm how you intend to accomplish the task.
Trial and error – if it doesn’t work – what can you do to make it work?
Identify assumptions.

Overall taking the time to develop ways of thinking outside of the box will help you with challenges in life and with academics! Share some of your creative outside of the box thinking with me!