How to know if you have a creative learner
Creative learners have many great traits, but some of those characteristics make it difficult for them to focus and stay organized. Some creative characteristics are that they are sensitive, intuitive, artistic, athletic, musical, and think about the big picture. Some of the drawbacks of being a creative learner are that they are often procrastinators, daydreamers, disorganized, poor test takers, and struggle to put ideas into words. Unfortunately, traditional education styles often label creative learners negatively as “problem students” when they just aren’t being catered to adequately.
How to help them at home
Make sure students have a singular place to put all school work divided by subject, either a three-ring binder or an accordion folder. Having one place to put work and notes helps to keep items from getting lost, and not to miss important information when its time to study for a test. Creative learners often don’t turn in homework, and it’s not because they don’t do their homework, but because they can’t find it to turn it into their teachers.
Using red and green folders can help students organizes homework during the day and at home. The red folder is for homework and assignments that haven’t been completed, and the green folder is completed work that needs to be turned in.
Use a planner to keep track of homework, projects, and test dates. Students should cross off items as they are completed, and make sure to keep their planner with their folder to keep everything relevant together. If you encourage your student to mark social events and holiday on their calendar, it will eventually become second nature to write everything down.
Creating a positive environment is essential for studying and homework, which is an easy way to help your student without being overbearing. Having a fan or music without lyrics can help students focus because many creative learners prefer to have background noise while working. Make sure to keep students from studying in bed, being in bed tells a person’s brain it is time to sleep, making it harder to concentrate and retain information.
Above all, the most important thing your creative learner needs is understanding. However frustrated you may become watching your child struggle, I guarantee they are twice as upset and frustrated. Taking the time to talk to your child about their frustrations and possible solutions show how much you care about their feelings, and that will go a long way with a creative learner.