The Lasting Gift of Creativity: Reflections from Mrs. Evans Crews

Creativity can be defined as “using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem” Creativity is important for children because it helps them grow into confident, curious, and flexible thinkers. Through creative activities, children learn how to solve problems, express their emotions, communicate ideas, and explore the world around them. Creativity also encourages imagination and independence, allowing children to think beyond “right or wrong” answers and develop their own unique voice. In the elementary school years especially, creativity supports academic learning, social development, and emotional well-being by helping children build resilience, confidence, collaboration skills, and a love of learning.

To wrap up this year’s impactful Parent University digital series, we’re excited to explore Creativity alongside our beloved Art Teacher, Mrs. Evans Crews, a proud St. Thomas alum and alumni parent of Attie ‘14 and Callie ‘18.
 

Imagination allows children and adults to create art, solve problems, invent new ideas, and dream about the future. Without imagination, there would be no great stories, discoveries, inventions, or creative works of art.

Evans Crews, Proud Parent of Attie '14 and Callie '18, St. Thomas Art Teacher

 

Q: How does creativity support a child’s emotional, social, and academic development?

Evans: Through art, children develop skills that support emotional, social, and academic growth. Creativity plays an important role in a child’s development because it gives children ways to explore, solve problems, and communicate.  When students create and work together, they practice sharing ideas and listening to each other. Art and creative experiences also build resilience because children learn that mistakes are part of learning and that there are many ways to approach a problem. In our art class we celebrate failures as learning experiences and understand that a “Beautiful Oops” is part of the learning process. Learning that things do not always turn out as planned teaches students about the opportunity to find new options for challenges.

 

Q: How can creativity build confidence and independence in young children?

Evans: When children make choices about what to create, how to solve a challenge, or how to express themselves, they develop a sense of capability. Completing a painting, drawing, or building a sculpture can give students the feeling of success and pride in their own abilities. Over time, this confidence encourages them to try new things and trust their own ideas. In our art classes, I have learned to take suggestions or “what ifs” very seriously. When a student suggests a new plan for our projects, we often go for it! I think it is important for students to be heard and to express their unique ideas in our art projects.

 

Art and creative experiences also build resilience because children learn that mistakes are part of learning and that there are many ways to approach a problem. Learning that things do not always turn out as planned teaches students about the opportunity to find new options for challenges.

Evans Crews, Proud Parent of Attie '14 and Callie '18, St. Thomas Art Teacher

 

Q: Why is imagination important for learning and critical thinking?

Evans: Imagination allows children and adults to create art, solve problems, invent new ideas, and dream about the future. Imagination also helps us understand other people’s feelings by putting ourselves in their place. Without imagination, there would be no great stories, discoveries, inventions, or creative works of art. One of my favorite examples of imagination in art is our first grade flower project. The students are asked to create a flower that no one has ever seen before. The stories they tell about these imaginary flowers light up their faces and bring such genuine smiles as they reveal their unique ideas about color, shape and even smell. 

 

Q: Why is it important for children to have opportunities to express themselves creatively?

Evans: Art allows students to communicate feelings, ideas, and experiences. In our classroom, I often hear students share emotions or stories while they are creating artwork. Providing opportunities for creative expression allows students to try new things and share ideas as there is no single “correct” way to create.

 

Some of my favorite art projects began with a student who simply had a great idea. Encourage them to share their interests and allow them the freedom to create what excites and inspires them.

Evans Crews, Proud Parent of Attie '14 and Callie '18, St. Thomas Art Teacher

 

Q: How does creativity help children discover their interests, passions, and strengths?

Evans: Creative activities allow children to explore many different materials, techniques, and ways of thinking. Through these projects and experiences, students begin to notice what interests them and where they feel successful. Some children discover they love painting, while others enjoy sculpture, drawing, or even sewing! As an art teacher, I have seen students who struggle in traditional academic settings truly shine during creative projects. Art gives children opportunities to recognize their unique strengths, develop pride in their abilities, and build confidence in what they can contribute.

 

Q: In your experience, how do creative activities support children’s mental wellness and happiness?

Evans: Art often provides children with a sense of calm, joy, and the opportunity to relax. The art room can be a place where students feel safe to explore and enjoy the process of creating. Many students and adults use art as a way to work through stress, anxiety, or frustration, even if they do not realize it themselves.

 

Q: What are some long-term benefits you have observed in creative children as they grow older?

Evans: Creative students tend to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience because they are used to experimenting and learning through trial and error. Creative thinkers often think outside the box and can find multiple solutions to challenges. 

So, as we head into summer… BE CREATIVE. Give students opportunities to make anything they can imagine. Encourage them to share their interests and allow them the freedom to create what excites and inspires them. Most importantly, show your support and listen as they tell the stories behind their artwork and explain why they created it. Some of my favorite art projects began with a student who simply had a great idea.