Your brain is literally wired to wonder, question, reflect, and be curious.  Just think about how many times a day you have moments where you get off track and start thinking about other things.

Sometimes we’re reflecting on a past experience, questioning our decision making or the decision making of others, or perhaps we’re wondering about something in the future.  At times we’re wondering about possibilities.  Those moments where we’re thinking, “I wonder if anyone has thought of this…?”

We can all strengthen and grow our creative thinking skills, and like getting in better shape at the gym, if we do it daily and with repetition, we’ll see the results!  Often these “off task” moments are the start of a potential workout set for our creative thinking muscles.  The initial wonder (ex. “I wonder if anyone has thought of…”) is like your very first rep in the set.  If you stop there, you won’t see any results and won’t develop your creative thinking skills.  Allowing yourself to go “down the rabbit” hole so to speak (focusing time and energy) empowers you to develop your creative thinking skills.

The internet is full of great resources that can support us as educators in developing creative thinking skills in our students.  Cheryl Wilson (K-12 Teacher Technology Consultant) has a great compilation to get anyone started: CLICK HERE.