By Christina Soriano

Creativity is a very abstract concept. Some people define is as the ability to physically make something, others associate it with a way of thinking. Being “artistic” or “creative” can mean many things.

I teach children ages 5-to-10 and, without fail, the main question I receive from families is: “How do I know if I'm doing enough to keep my child interested in art and keep them imaginative?” My intuitive answer is: “Let it flow naturally and release the control to keep anything going.” On the other hand, families can create environments that are more conducive to sparking imagination and exploring different facets of what it means to be creative or an artist. Holistically, it's about making the every day exciting and fascinating.

Here are some tips to channeling a child's artistic side and playing with their imagination:

Avoid Labeling

We live in a world where we need to classify people, especially when we become adults. Telling a child “you're a this or that” as in “you're a scientist” when they are five years old closes them off from exploring other things they like or what their other strengths are. Pigeon holing them to think they are good or not good at something during development is restrictive. As we know, developing passions and interests never ends and continues through adolescents and adulthood.

Encourage Process Over Product

When looking at a child's project instead of asking, “What is it?”, say “Can you tell me more about it?” or “I would love to hear how you made that!” This creates a more open and child-centered dialogue.

Shape Game

Put a twist on the basic “I Spy” game, and create more present and observant children and make the theme shapes in their environment (this obviously can be modified to other themes, too). Take a walk outside or this can easily be done in the house or indoors. For example, a way to start could be, “ I spy a circle in the wheel of a car....in the knobs of the cabinet...”.

Make Materials Fascinating

Raid the local dollar store or art supply store for sales. Present new and fun “treasures” at the same time every week or month so they have something to anticipate and build excitement to work with. Children are often most interested in basic supplies than things that are expensive. You can get a small package of clay for five dollars or less and create hours of fun.

Journal and Write

Any creative endeavor starts with a seed of an idea. Beginning a habit of documenting feelings, doodles and thoughts could very well be a project that comes to fruition a few months later. A child's natural interests will emerge by allowing them to freely write or draw. Encourage them to also write down what seems mundane like the day and time they started a specific page, describing the weather and where they were as they drew or wrote that day. Down the road it will make them appreciative of the moment.

Teach Them How to Be Alone

I don't mean abandon them in the middle of nowhere, obviously! My fondest memories of childhood have nothing to do with technology or watching television. I recall being the most content sitting on the floor in some room at my parents' house and just making a mess of projects by myself. I never really cared who was around or what I had to do next. That was true flow. Children in today's world are overbooked and overloaded. The ability to play or just be and have some quiet time (that is not reserved for homework) seems non-existent. Thinking, creativity and focus are all connected. Schedule in not another lesson, but time where there is nothing expected of them. It doesn't have to be four hours, it can be thirty minutes. Give them their journal, a book or sketchbook and art supplies. Technology is not allowed!

Be Silly and Improvise

Make up stories that allow for open ended answers such as, “Imagine if......”
and follow it up by drawing out the story or creating a song or dance about it. Let laughter, joy and smiling be part of this process.


Christina Soriano is an artist, art teacher and blogger in New York City. Follow her on twitter and instagram @soriandesigns or check out her new online shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/christinasorianoart

Photo David Castillo Dominici
Originally published: February 18, 2015
Updated and republished: February 22, 2018