Every child sees the world a little differently. Some draw stories in the sand, others build cities with blocks, while many paint dreams with crayons. At the heart of all this lies creativity—an essential skill that shapes how children explore, express, and understand the world. Yet, in today’s fast-paced digital age, encouraging original thought and imagination is more important than ever.
So, how can parents and educators support the natural creative spark in young minds? What can be done, both at home and in school, to foster a lifelong ability to think, imagine, and solve problems in unique ways?
Here’s a detailed guide to boosting creativity in children—designed for families in Dubai and backed by research and expert insights.
Why Creativity Matters in Childhood
Creative thinking skills go far beyond art class. They help children:
- Develop problem-solving abilities
- Communicate ideas clearly
- Build confidence and curiosity
- Adapt to new challenges
According to the World Economic Forum, creativity is one of the top five skills needed for future jobs. As the world evolves, children who can innovate and adapt will stand out.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children exposed to creative activities showed better emotional expression, cognitive flexibility, and social development.
Simple Ways to Improve Creativity in Children
Improving creativity doesn’t require expensive tools or complex programmes. It begins with an open mindset and a few everyday practices.
1. Encourage Questions and Curiosity
Let children ask “why,” “how,” and “what if.” Instead of offering direct answers, ask what they think. This keeps their imagination active and helps develop innovative problem-solving.
2. Limit Screen Time, Not Playtime
Structured screen time has its place, but unstructured play fuels imagination. Playing with objects, making up stories, or exploring outdoors supports cognitive and creative growth.
3. Provide Open-Ended Materials
Give children materials that don’t have a fixed purpose—like cardboard, fabric, clay, or building blocks. This inspires them to think freely and construct ideas from scratch.
4. Make Room for Mistakes
Creativity thrives in a space where failure is accepted. Celebrate effort, not just results. When children feel safe to try and fail, they become more willing to explore new ideas.
5. Read and Tell Stories Together
Reading exposes children to different perspectives. Storytelling, on the other hand, improves language, memory, and the ability to construct narratives—core parts of boosting creativity in children.
Activities That Enhance Imagination
The best activities for artistic development in kids are often the simplest. Here are some popular choices:
- Drawing and painting with no set theme
- Pretend play with costumes and props
- Story-writing using pictures or prompts
- Building models or structures from recycled materials
- Music games involving rhythm and sound play
These tasks not only encourage creative expression but also improve fine motor skills, focus, and emotional awareness.
Fostering Creativity in the Classroom
Schools play a vital role in encouraging creativity. Classrooms should offer:
- Open discussions and group activities
- Cross-subject learning through art, science, and storytelling
- Opportunities for reflection and personal opinion
- Projects where students make choices and lead the direction
At Arab Unity School (AUS), Dubai, children are given the time, tools, and space to explore. Whether through visual arts, music, drama, or inquiry-based learning, every child is supported to discover their creative strengths.
Choosing the Right Environment: Why AUS Stands Out
Arab Unity School believes that creativity is not a subject—it is a mindset. At AUS, every child’s voice is valued. Teachers guide students in exploring new ideas, thinking deeply, and developing their own solutions. The curriculum balances academic rigour with opportunities for expression and exploration.
The school’s creative ethos is visible across its campus—from innovation labs to student-led performances and community projects. Parents in Dubai looking for a supportive space to improve creativity in their child will find a nurturing, inclusive environment at AUS.
Final Thoughts: Building a Creative Future
To improve creativity in children is to prepare them for a world of change, complexity, and innovation. It is not about making every child an artist—it’s about helping them become thinkers, explorers, and makers.
With the right encouragement at home and the right guidance at school, every child can grow into a confident, curious, and creative individual. Whether through play, problem-solving, or artistic expression, creativity lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
In Dubai, Arab Unity School continues to pave the way in shaping young minds—not just with knowledge, but with imagination.