Our Star Model
The Five Points of the Star Model for Bringing Creativity into Your Classroom
Are you ready to bring creativity into your classroom?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. The Five-Point Star Model is a simple framework to help you incorporate creative thinking into your teaching. It guides you through five key steps, starting with understanding creativity and ending with teaching it as part of your curriculum. Let’s take a closer look.
Point One
Understanding Creativity
To teach creativity, you first need to know what it is—and what it isn’t. Creativity isn’t just about being artistic or crafty, and it’s not a special gift only a few people have. Creativity is a skill that everyone can learn and use. It’s about solving problems, generating ideas, and thinking in new ways.
Ask yourself: Have you faced a tricky problem recently and worked through it with creative solutions? If you have, then you’ve already been creative. Teaching your students to do the same will prepare them to face the challenges of a fast-changing world.
Point Two
Recognize Your Own Creativity
Before you can teach creativity, you need to recognize your own creative strengths. Every teacher has unique talents and problem-solving skills. By embracing your creativity, you’ll feel more confident modeling it for your students. When you believe you can be creative, you’ll inspire your students to believe in their creativity, too.
Point Three
Support a Creative Environment
Creativity needs the right environment to thrive. Both the physical setup and the atmosphere of your classroom matter. Here’s how to create a space where creativity can flourish:
- Set up your classroom for exploration: Provide open spaces, flexible seating, and access to materials that spark curiosity.
- Build a supportive atmosphere: Encourage students to share ideas, take risks, and see mistakes as learning opportunities
- Foster collaboration and motivation: Let students work together on challenges and celebrate their efforts.
By making your classroom a safe and inspiring place, you’ll help your students feel comfortable exploring new ideas.
Point Four
Bring Creativity Into Your Lessons
Adding creativity to your teaching doesn’t mean overhauling your whole curriculum. In fact, you’re probably already doing it! You just need to make it more intentional. For example:
- Use open-ended questions that spark discussion and curiosity.
- Incorporate creative thinking exercises into regular activities.
- Provide students to use divergent thinking.
We’ll show you simple ways to enhance your lessons with creative thinking, without adding extra work.
Point Five
Teach Creativity as Its Own Skill
Some schools dedicate specific time to teaching creativity as a subject. If you have the opportunity, consider these options:
- Teach creative problem-solving processes, like brainstorming and design thinking.
- Use programs like Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, or FIRST robotics.
- Challenge students with projects that let them practice thinking and creating in innovative ways.
Teaching creativity as its own skill helps students develop tools they can use throughout their lives.
Start Your Journey to a More Creative Classroom
The Five-Point Star Model is a flexible and practical guide to bringing creativity into your classroom. Whether you focus on one point or all five, every step you take will help your students build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Let’s get started!
