By Ginger S. Huebner
We are in the midst of an unprecedented time. As a school focused on creativity and the visual arts, we have closed our physical doors for the time being and are staying tuned in each day to the course the novel coronavirus, and our response to it will take. I am leaning into the idea that things are going to go longer than any of us are thinking right now—and that we all need to be better prepared for that.
Many of the articles circulating the media are pitching ideas to desperate parents about what they can do to “entertain” the kids during days upon days at home. Unfortunately, there is an almost singular focus on apps, screens, and digital media. These resources have become the go-to because they’re readily available, easy to deploy, and longer-lasting than a new box of Legos. While they can be an effective way to “park” the kids while parents struggle to work from home, they often do little to inspire and educate, much less develop the creativity that our children need.
Creativity creates confidence. It fuels innovation. It connects and energizes us. And, during a time when we all have heightened emotions, stress, constrained space, and worry, creativity can be an incredible cure for children and adults. Creativity is also a powerful way of building and maintaining connections with the people around us and across the world. And being connected is what we all need most right now—and may need even more in the weeks ahead.
The best thing about creativity at this very moment is it can also be contagious. Once unleashed, it can self-replicate.
At Roots + Wings, our language of creativity is art and design. We’ve spent ten years teaching everyone, from preschoolers to seniors, how to enjoy the process of creativity. I am not talking about the step by step, paint by number, product-based version. I’m talking about focusing on the experience rather than the product and using that creative experience to foster connection.
Sounds good, you say. But how do you do it while you’re cooped up in your house, and the kids want to use your work laptop for anything but your work?
The key is to help unleash your kids’ creativity. While some of the creative experiences may require using specific supplies, many others are using things most of us have around the house. You’ll be surprised at what they can do from there with a little guidance to get them started. As we work to find a balance that meets the needs of our families while still enabling us to retain our talented teachers and staff, we’re focusing on how we can help [parents or other caregivers] provide that guidance.
Unlike many schools that are shifting their classroom sessions online, we’re using technology to get our students and families started with their creative projects, but not as a canned product. For us, technology is the “jumping-off point.”
So, we’ve created a tiered system of virtual solutions that vary in both deliverables and cost. As an example, for our currently enrolled Roots + Wings preschool and after-school students, we have built a “hybrid” R+W Creative Community that includes Creativity Kits of materials curated and supplied by us for every student, creative brainstorm idea-lists, and heaps of videos and resources for parents who may need suggestions about materials and methods from our team of instructors. We’ve also created an online community forum for these families to share photos, post videos, and even share their online lessons. Parents of all kinds (working and not working) are finding their kids spending hours exploring the materials, attempting items on the brainstorm lists, and trying new things–sometimes with a parent present and sometimes all by themselves. We’re offering versions of these resources to our local outreach partners as well.
While these are imperfect solutions for those who need a place outside the home for their children to go (think medical professionals and first responders on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19), these tools have a place in this challenging period, particularly as more of us are required to stay home.
They’re also working. We’re seeing the joy and happiness shine through from our students (and their parents) in the midst of what many are feeling is a time of desperation. Ironically, our parents are also finding that while it takes a few minutes to get the kids started–more than hitting the play button on a phone video–the kids enjoy their creative exploration for far longer and appreciate their efforts much more.
You don’t have to be an artist to pull this off. Even moms and dads who lack experience or hesitate to call themselves creative are taking pride in the curiosity they are stimulating in their children. Connection through creativity works in both directions, across generations, in tough times, and in good. It doesn’t take long. Try it. You and your children will both be glad you did.
Ginger S. Huebner is the founder and director of Roots + Wings School of Art and Design, LLC
in Asheville, NC.
Contact Information:
Email: ginger@rootsandwingsarts.com
Mobile: 828-545-4827
Website: www.rootsandwingsarts.com
www.rootsandwingsarts.com/roots-wings-online-creative-community