Creativity and the Coronavirus Impact
This blog post has been weighing on my mind for the last few weeks. I always end up in that same spot, asking myself, “What do I write about next”? And then I have that same conversation day after day until I figure it out.
I got to thinking that Coronavirus must have some kind of impact on creativity. From all I have read and researched, the impact is much different between adults and children. So, what are those differences, you ask?
I read an article by Mitchel Resnick who addresses how the Coronavirus highlights the growing need for creativity. In this case, creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about how professional everyday people have had to make creative societal shifts.
Who was going to Teladoc® medical appointments before Coronavirus? Going to the doctor by computer?
Who was going to school by computer at this rate?
And then, people figured out how to workout at home, bought a Peloton®, subscribed to all kinds of work out apps and left their gym buddies behind. I sure miss mine.
The Coronavirus has changed the delivery method of educating our children. Educating children by screen has been difficult. According to the World Economic Forum, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology with language apps, virtual tutoring, and online learning software. But really, that is not for everyone.
Unexpected online educational delivery systems have forced teachers to get creative, to engage their digitized students. How are they doing it? District Administration, an educational organization, highlighted a teacher who dressed up in a costume every day. Teachers engaged their students within class teams in online scavenger hunts, along with relevant trivia games. More than ever, teachers have had to think outside of the box to foster learning.
The Coronavirus has affected virtually all families. In many cases, living circumstances have changed. Families are dealing with financial worries, illness, loss, homelessness, and other vulnerabilities. For some, educational material is hard to obtain, and families do not have a physical space for online learning. Furthermore, there exists the possibility of a language barrier. The Coronavirus problem is far more impactful on families and children than commonly understood. People are isolated, and it is a problem without an easy solution.
Getting creative during these uncertain times helps kids and adults cope with isolation, according to British paper, The Guardian. There have been increases in toys sales and in arts and crafts.
At the same time, museums have created virtual, online tours. There are now virtual climbs of Mt. Everest and webcams that have been set up to go to the zoo. During the pandemic, parents have engaged in creative strategies for their children and have purchase related merchandise.
However, not all children are benefitting from online opportunities. There are socioeconomic differences in the amount of money and time that parents must dedicate to children during the pandemic.
It is my hope that these children can find solace during these difficult times through creativity. There are many free resources online to help foster creativity and imagination. We at the ArtsBot offer these two free resources to get you started:
1. The ArtsBot Learning Center offers fun and free printable games and puzzles for children: Click here to get started!
2. Our ArtsBot YouTube Channel features fun videos of kid friendly recipes and craft projects: Click here to check it out!
If you are looking for creativity in the bag, our four ArtsBot craft kits offer hours of mess-and-stress-free, screen-free creativity with no glues or scissors. Click here to see all four kits!
Stay safe and well!
