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I have always been aware of how a shift in perception and looking at things from a different angle can lead to discovering an infinite number of new solutions hidden in unexpected places, through a combination of already known elements. Through my work as an educator, I have conducted creative thinking workshops. What I found interesting is that creative thinking is encouraged in the biggest companies, such as Google, IBM, Apple, and others. And what I have observed in children over the years—unlimited imagination and creativity—has now been confirmed by scientists as the key to genius.
NASA's Discovery
NASA, the organization known for sending people into space, conducted a fascinating study on human creativity. The results were, to say the least, surprising:
- 98% of children aged 5 showed a level of creativity categorized as 'genius.
- This percentage drops to just 12% in 15-year-olds
- In adults, only 2% retain this level of creativity
Reading these statistics, I wondered how many times I’ve seen my sister's or friends' children use toys in the most unusual ways, creating something spontaneously and effortlessly through play.
Debunking the Myth of Inborn Creativity
There is a common myth that creativity is an elusive, inborn talent. In reality, research tells a different story. Many people want to be more creative, and creativity is a skill that can be developed from early childhood.
Znamo da je – u poređenju sa osobinama kao što su IQ, ličnost i politička orijentacija – kreativnost relativno nisko nasledna. Okruženje ima ogroman uticaj na kreativnost, a roditelji i staratelji mogu igrati ključnu ulogu u oblikovanju kreativnog razmišljanja u ranim godinama.
Children have unlimited creative potential. They are curious, playful, imaginative, and open to new experiences. In fact, this study shows that children are better creative problem-solvers than adults because young children tend to imagine and explore more possibilities, which often leads to more creative solutions.
Why Is This Study So Interesting to Me?
NASA didn't search for creativity without reason. They realized that the most creative minds are capable of solving the most complex problems—whether it's sending people to Mars or addressing climate change on Earth. In modern education and everyday language, we often attribute creativity only to writers, painters, musicians, and the like, but in reality, it is crucial for every profession and for everyday situations in life. It's like a magic wand for finding solutions to challenges.
Creativity = Genius
Observing children, we can see countless examples that confirm NASA's discovery:
- Problem-Solving:Little Marko figured out how to feed the cat while his parents were on vacation, using a system of pulleys and timers. Creativity in action!
- Innovative Thinking:Aida made an "automatic room cleaner" from a broom, rope, and her toys. It might not have worked perfectly, but the idea was brilliant!
- Mental Flexibility:When Davud's favorite drawing was accidentally torn, he turned it into a collage, creating something even more beautiful.
How to Preserve Our Children's Genius?
NASA's research reminded us of something we've always known but somehow forgotten—all children are born geniuses. The question is, how do we preserve that spark? Here are some tips based on the acronym CREATE:
- C – Child-Directed:Let children lead during play, exploring topics or engaging in activities they choose. Child-led learning environments motivate children to learn because the topic is of genuine interest, not because they expect a reward at the end.
- R – Risk-Friendly:Encourage children to take risks by setting age-appropriate challenges or new activities they might be hesitant to try. Learning how to assess and manage risk from an early age is associated with increased confidence and creativity.
- E – Exploratory:Set up activities where children can experiment and take things apart. During these types of exploratory play experiences, children will discover more about how things work and be inspired to come up with new ideas.
- A – Active:Through fun, active physical movement and exercise, children not only strengthen their bodies but also enhance learning and stimulate their creativity.
- T – Time for Imagination:Time for imagination and pretend play allows children to come up with original ideas and bring them to life, as well as practice self-regulation and empathy, and build creativity.
- E – Exchange of Ideas:With any type of play experience, it's important to include opportunities for conversation. When children can engage in exchanging ideas through discussion and collaboration, it often leads to the most creative and innovative outcomes.
Conclusion: Nurturing Genius Through Creativity
NASA's research has opened our eyes—genius isn't something only a few lucky ones are born with. It’s a potential that all children carry within them, hidden in their creativity.
Every time I see a child drawing, building, or inventing, I don't just see play. I see a future scientist who will solve the mysteries of the universe, an artist who will inspire millions, or an innovator who will change the way we live.
As Albert Einstein said: "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." NASA has shown us that this imagination, this creativity, is the key to genius.
Let’s nurture that spark in our children. Let's give them the tools, space, and freedom to explore, create, and dream. Because who knows—maybe in their hands lies the solution to some of the greatest challenges of our world.
And if along the way they make a mess in the living room or invent a language only they understand? Well, that’s a small price to pay for nurturing the geniuses of the future.
