Every Child is an Artist

Who here is an artist?

If you ask a class of kindergarteners this question, all the kids' hands fly up.

Ask the question to a class of third graders, and there are fewer hands.

Ask a class of middle or high school students, and there are hardly any hands.

Children are born creatives. And they are excited to share it. So, why does this change as they get older?

While I can't say whether a formal study has been done, my theory is this.

When kids are young, their natural creativity flourishes. They aren't shy. They want to show what they can do. They are curious about everything you throw at them. They are risk takers.

But as children get older, school doesn't value creativity and curiosity as much. School values the correct answers, the curriculum, high output, and following the rules. 

Suddenly, students are afraid of getting the questions wrong. 

Risks are no longer encouraged, but something to be avoided.

But imagine.

Imagine a world where children's natural creativity is not stifled, but encouraged to flourish through adulthood.

A world of endless possibilities.

Sure, it wouldn't be as easy to measure on tests.

But, it's a worthwhile price to pay to move society forward. Probably a whole lot more fun, too.