“Imagination: The Forgotten 21st Century Skill?”

While I was contemplating what to write about today, an article about imagination just popped up on Twitter feed – and there was my answer!  “Imagination: The Forgotten 21st Century Skill?” was posted on the Scholastic website by Brian Smith, a kindergarten teacher.  In the article, Brian Smith notes that imagination is a crucial skill that children and adults need in the 21st century, yet many classrooms are disregarding this fact and not providing children with the and resources to nurture their creativity and imagination.

I often use books that require imagination during my story time and have done a few story times that focus specifically on imagination as the theme.  Check out my most recent story time theme about imagination!  With a focus on creativity and problem-solving, most people would think that imagination is something that should be encouraged in school, but more often there is too much work to be done in terms of standardized testing that allows teachers very little time to plan for time outside of that.  I have learned in the past few programs that I have offered that children enjoy using their creativity and imagination and often need very little prompting to do just that.  I used to create art project samples, but now I give kids basic instructions and give them the time to create their own.  Most kids can easily spend time working on a project like this, but there are always a couple that get the “deer in the headlights” look when they are given a relatively unstructured project.  With a  little encouragement and some simple brainstorming these kids, too, are off and running and enjoy their time!

Giving children time to play, explore, create, and imagine is so important for kids and allows them to learn within their environment,  but also to understand the world around them.  We also provide a play space for young children to use and explore.  All of the toys are chosen specifically to encourage a child’s imagination.  We don’t provide toys that have batteries with sounds and flashing lights – rather we offer a train table, blocks, stuffed animals, and a kitchen where children can explore and use their imagination!

I was recently in Jacksonville where we spent some time at the Jacksonville Zoo and they did an amazing job offering parents helpful suggestions about play and imagination as well as tips and tricks to interact with children at the zoo!  It was definitely something I plan on looking into for the library.  Sometimes parents need  a little education too!