What is Innovation?
Innovation refers to the introduction of a new method or process. Innovation, as an action, propels the future of trendy products, helpful inventions, and potential solutions for global issues. This makes it an essential skill to help develop within the artists we teach.
Our students may have limited opportunities to practice these skills, making it crucial for us, as art teachers, to provide as many chances for innovative thinking as possible.
But, can you teach it?
‘Teaching’ Innovation
To foster innovation, there must be a focus on something that invites innovative thinking.
To teach someone to read,
you provide books.
To teach someone to innovate,
you provide materials to work with …and a problem to work around.
How I Encourage Innovation
Here are five ways I promote the development of innovative skills in the art room:
1. Mistakes Poster
For students to innovate, they must become comfortable with making mistakes.
One effective method is to create and display a ‘Mistakes Poster’ that offers options for correcting errors.
Perfectionism often seems to breed desertion of difficult tasks. But, when a student can choose how to correct their mistake, they are given back control and the autonomy to choose a remedy.
I find this allows them to regain control and gives them an alternative option to giving up and shutting down.
2. Ephemera Box
Ephemera refers to collected mementos from temporary sources, such as visually interesting advertisements, canceled stamps, or patterned paper scraps.
Honestly, I started an Ephemera Box because I have a real hard time throwing “pretty” stuff away (like most art teachers!) and I wanted a place for old ribbon and glittery junk mail. Some might say it is a form of hoarding, but I find that since I started the box, my classroom now has quite the collection of materials for collage and journaling!
I also keep a personal box of ephemera, contributing pieces like nicely handwritten notes or strips of old doodles. When I have to get rid of a sketch that’s too big to store, I tear it into strips until some of it fits in my box. This practice not only reduces waste but also provides a treasure trove of unique materials for creative projects.
3. Invention Station
The Invention Station is an activity center for students who finish their projects early.
There’s a few ways this can be done, but this is how I usually set it up.
- Present a problem on the board or an index card.
- Provide a box of materials.
- Give scissors, glue, and/or tape.
- Students must create something to solve the problem using only these materials.
The results are often fascinating and showcase the students’ innovative capabilities.
4. Invitation for Creation
Check out previous blog posts for examples of my monthly Invitation for Creation activities. These activities invite students to engage in creative tasks and explore their innovative potential. Check them out here.
5. Warm Up Worksheets
The Warm Up Worksheets are meant to be a quick activity that’s assigned at the beginning of class. Basically, they are given 5-10 minutes to turn one shape into another picture.
Working on Warm Ups gives my students a way to practice creative thinking skills at the beginning of class- this helps them get an innovative mindset habit from the start!
and BONUS! … #6!
6. Creative Challenges
Another way to encourage innovation is through Creative Challenges. Periodically, I present students with open-ended prompts or themes and ask them to create something unique within a set time frame. For example, they might be tasked with designing a new type of footwear using only recycled materials, or illustrating a story without using any words. These challenges stimulate imaginative thinking and problem-solving skills, pushing students to explore unconventional solutions and develop their artistic voices.
Communicating the Importance of Innovation
Encouraging innovation in the art room not only enriches students’ creativity but also prepares them to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and originality.