By contributing writer Colleen
Creativity and invention are crucial to the successful growth of a culture, but are you taking time to encourage creativity and invention at home?I have several very creative children in my homeschool, and I know that I’m not doing as great a job as I’d like.
I want to include more time for invention and open-ended explorations, but I get caught up in the day-to-day of our homeschool and family. I forget how important it is to let kids dream and discover. It’s important to encourage them to be the inventor and surround them with things that foster creativity.
One way to do this is to create an invention box for your kids to tinker with. Once it’s pulled together, give them plenty of open-ended time to explore its contents and get creative.
How to Put Together an Invention Box
Grab a box or a container with a snap-on lid, or use an empty drawer in the kitchen or craft area. Fill it with different things based on your kids’ ages and abilities.
Some ideas for young children include:
- wood scraps
- fabric
- metal pieces
- wire
- glue
- scissors
- feathers
- other miscellaneous craft supplies
- paper
- pens
- pencils
- markers
- paint
Ideas for Older Children:
- old electronics
- screwdrivers
- hammers
- pliers
- wires
- batteries
- soldering equipment
- wood
- nails
If your children have trouble coming up with ideas for getting themselves started, because maybe this type of open-ended play is new to them, then create quick prompts on index cards to encourage them. But, leave the directions to a minimum. Give them just enough to get started, and then, once they have the hang of it, stop leaving the cards out.
Open-ended opportunities like your kids will get with an invention box will help foster creativity and flexibility in thinking. It will make them more critical thinkers, and it will help them develop the confidence to look at things in new ways.
For additional value and fun, give them a place to showcase their work and set aside time for an inventor’s convention where they can share their creations with family and friends.
What are some ways you can implement this idea into your homeschool? And what other suggestions for materials do you have to share?
Andrea says
This is perfect timing for me! I’d love to hear your prompt ideas.
Colleen Kessler says
Hi Andrea — I just give them things like, “create a new way to wash dishes” or “use these materials to build a robot {working or not}” or “build a bridge.”
Erin says
help! I’m not creative enough to think of promts! What ideas do you use??
Colleen Kessler says
Hi Erin — I just give them things like, “create a new way to wash dishes” or “use these materials to build a robot {working or not}” or “build a bridge.” You can search for engineering challenges online. 🙂
Lin says
We got our son his own toolbox and put some extra tools we had in it. Anything that breaks or stops working (i.e. appliances, electronics) we give to him to take apart for pieces. He is constantly going through the recyclable bin to gather odds and ends that might prove useful. Craft items, hot glue gun, art materials, sewing materials and reference books about making things are all readily available, and we frequently order books from the library for inspiration. (Of course, my children also enjoy perusing retail catalogs in their areas of interest, and then figuring out how they can make something that catches their eye, instead of buying it.) A fun way to showcase their inventions is to take pictures to share with long distance family members, or to have an “invention day” with your local home school group, where the children can do a presentation about something they made.
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says
Fantastic! I’ve been looking at doing this for a few weeks now, but wasn’t sure of everything I needed. Thank you. Sharing!