The Creative Climate

Creative expression is often discouraged very subtly in young children, but more often it is discouraged very directly! A group of teachers collectively made a list of more than 100 statements that tend to discourage creativity at any age. Some of these statements follow:

• You do it and I’ll give it the finishing touches.

• Don’t touch me with those dirty hands.

• Who ever heard of a cat with red ears?

• Why can’t you be good like your sister?

• It won’t hurt you to let your brother play with it.

• Stay out of the cellophane tape.

• Oh, you’ll never use it.

• Why don’t you act grown-up?

• Can’t you ever stop asking questions?

• If I let you work here, you’d better not get a single spot on the table.

• You’re always worrying about the wrong things.

• That’s not the way the song goes.

• You can’t change the rules of the game.

• How many times do I have to tell you?

• Keep this up and you’ll never get to college (or to first grade).

• What’s wrong with you?

• Here, let me do it—you’re a slowpoke.

• Nobody asked your opinion.

• Do as you’re told and don’t ask questions.

• Don’t begin something you can’t finish.

• If it could be done, someone else would have done it long ago.

• What do you want now (in an exasperated tone)?

• I don’t care what you’re doing; stop it and come here right now.

• Not now. (This usually means never.)

And the list goes on and on. …

These same teachers also compiled a list of statements that foster courage and self-confidence and help establish a climate conducive to creativity:

• Most beginnings are difficult.

• We learn by our mistakes.

• Try it a few times, anyway, and then it’ll probably seem easier.

• We’ll try again tomorrow.

• That time you almost did it; you’re doing better every time.

• I’m proud that you’re trying difficult things.

• That’s a good idea!

• I really like that.

• That looks interesting. Tell me about it.

• I appreciate your help.

• That was very thoughtful.

• Have fun!

• It’s okay if you get dirty.

• A finished project is something to be proud of.

• I’m certainly impressed with what you’ve already done.

• How nice that you could figure that out for yourself.

• Well, a broken egg isn’t a broken leg.

• Whatever you decide is fine with me.

• How nice your room looks.

• This wall is not for drawing; this paper is. Here are three sheets.

• It’s interesting to try it different ways.

• I like your idea because it’s different from any other I’ve seen.

• I wonder what could happen if … ?

• What can you think of to do with it?

• How does that make you feel?

• I can see that you are trying.

• I’m glad you can do it.

Jeanne LeSueur Jackson
Seattle First Ward, Seattle Washington Stake