It has taken me to my thirties to really embrace my creativity, really dig deep and try new things. When I look at the results I am a little proud of myself instead of overly critical. It took me 15 years since I left school to do something creative because I enjoyed it, found it relaxing and just wanted to do it, no pressure just for the fun of being creative. The girl who dropped art at 13 years of age because in my mind I was clearly no good at it (my grades were terrible) actually enjoys being creative. It feels nice, relaxes me and bring me enjoyment. I wanted to do art in school, my work never got the grades though and unless I got the high grades what was the point in doing it - this was the mindset at school. Grades, grades, grades, enjoyment does not come in to it.
Why can't children be creative just for the fun, its amazing for mental health and confidence but the opposite occurs when you starts grading children on the results of their creativity.
Confidence is a big issue for many adults and I have lost count how many times I hear it linked to school experiences and grading. Instead of grading our children at such a young, vulnerable age why can't we encourage them for their focus, trying time and time again until it finally clicks and for helping one another get their heads around new, exciting topics. Encouraging team work instead of separating children based on their grades and praising the higher graded children more so than those with lower grades would surely have a positive impact on self esteem, community and teach these much needed life skills.
Grades can be important later in life but lets not forget the person underneath the grades.
Now in my thirties I am going to enjoy my creative side, allow my creative confidence to grow knowing there is no mark sheet in sight and you know that feels really great!
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