Do schools kill creativity?
The big question he posed at the time of his talk was, how do we prepare children to thrive in a world of unpredictability?
This question could not be more timely as we emerge out of our ‘lockdowned’ lives and children return to school after months of homeschooling. There is a feeling of uncertainty in the air and parents, after months of witnessing their children learn from home, are questioning is this style of education working for my child?
If the adult feels it, you can bet the child does too. So what do we do now? As Ken said back then, our task as adults is to educate (the child’s) whole being. The whole being; meaning not just a child with a mind and a head.
Maria Montessori preached this line already 100 years ago when she created an education model that fosters the child’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as their mental and physical. Honouring the whole child’s wellbeing creates space for the child to be confident and internally sound in their heart which opens them up to being curious and creative.
According to Ken it's about seeing children as organisms - body, mind and soul - rather than mechanical beings. Creativity and imagination is sparked when children are in movement; ideas are then born and enthusiasm to create is ignited from within. A child like any adult come alive when they create, and when they create they are more engaged. When mainstream becomes more like the alternative education offerings then we are getting somewhere he says. While Montessori education is not the only answer to this question, it is certainly one that can be considered when parents start to rethink their children’s education options.
Further recommended viewing:
How do you create a school that inspires creativity?
Creative education - how to keep the spark alive in children