How To Promote Divergent Thinking In Children
Divergent thinking in children consists of a process that encourages the conception of creative ideas. To do this, it proposes the exploration and experimentation of various contexts and problems to generate different solutions.
What is the method?
The method defends that thought, when properly stimulated, occurs naturally, spontaneously. As it happens when an idea comes to mind and generates connections with other knowledge and previous experiences.
When speaking of divergent thinking, there is a clear contrast to traditional linear thinking. While the latter prioritizes logical and sequential linking, the former defends the fluidity and spontaneity of creativity.
But this does not mean excluding or replacing logical and structural thinking. Quite the contrary: the proposals complement each other to enhance creative capacity. The ideas that arise spontaneously by divergent thinking are later organized by the structures of logic.
First, we let imagination and free experience flow to stimulate creativity. From their senses and in front of different proposals, the children will think of possible solutions. Later, they will use convergent thinking to compare these solutions and choose the most appropriate for each situation.
Intelligence, personality and divergent thinking in children
The concept of divergent thinking also proposes us to rethink our definitions and prejudices about intelligence.
In the old days, it was believed that an intelligent child was only one who got good grades in school. Or he strictly adhered to the standards of behavior and logical reasoning.
However, specialists on divergent thinking in children were able to observe that intelligence manifests itself in different ways. Each person expresses and develops their potential in a unique way.
The problem is that traditional family and institutional structures do not always give space to other forms of intelligence. This means that children are not properly stimulated and they inhibit their sensitivity because they do not feel they belong.
Where does creativity come from?
These researchers also showed that creativity does not necessarily depend on IQ. Rather, it is associated with certain personality traits, such as:
- Curiosity.
- Persistence.
- Willingness to experiment and take risks.
- Nonconformity and desire to improve.
Also joy and a positive state of mind are essential to encourage divergent thinking in children. And the same is said with respect to the people who make up its environment and the environment to which it is exposed. In other words, a child raised in healthy relationships and with high self-esteem is usually more curious and creative.
6 exercises to encourage divergent thinking in children
Specialists indicate that each of these six divergent thinking exercises for children has infinite possible solutions. Training them with your child is an excellent method to stimulate their creativity and improve their self-esteem.
1 – The coin in the coffee
The question is this: “I dropped a coin in my coffee; the cup was full but the coin did not get wet. Why?”.
2- An island on fire
We are on an island with a lot of vegetation and surrounded by hungry sharks. One side of the island is on fire and the wind is in favor of the fire. What do we do to avoid burning ourselves?
3- Two trains in the same tunnel
A certain railway line runs in two directions. In it, there is a tunnel whose length is not enough to have a double line. But one day, a train entered the tunnel in one direction and another train also entered the opposite direction. One did not collide with the other, how can that be possible?
4 – A parrot
There was a lady who bought a parrot in a bird shop, as the seller told her that the parrot would repeat everything it heard. And the lady really liked the idea. A short time later, the lady complained again because her little parrot had not even said a word. But the seller hadn’t lied to him either. Why?
5 – A closed bottle
We have a bottle of wine in half and corked. How can we drink wine without breaking the cork or breaking the bottle?
6- Bath time!
I am in a bathroom that does not belong to me and I want to take a shower. But I can’t know which is the cold water control and the hot water one. What can I do if I want to be sure to turn on the hot water before the cold?
Divergent thinking in children helps prepare them for the unexpected and adversities of adult life. In addition, it strengthens their self-esteem and encourages them to want to discover and explore new horizons.
