Creativity

             All children should have the chance to be truly creative, to commit themselves completely to the effort and make whatever they are doing their own. What is most important in any creative act is the process of self-expression. Creative experiences can help children express and deal with their feelings. A child's creative activity can also help teachers learn more about what the child may be thinking or feeling. Creativity has been shown to initiate mental growth in children by giving opportunities to try new ideas, and to think in different ways. Creative activities help acknowledge children's uniqueness and diversity as well as offer excellent opportunities to personalize teaching and focus on each child. .
             The problem though is that many of these creative programs are being taken out of schools today, so children are not getting this experience that is essential. Because of lack of funding or disinterests, children are not being able to utilize their creative gifts. The funding should not be an issue in this subject. The United States is by far one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and it seems, as though, if the issue is important enough they are able to come up with the money. For example, with sports, schools would never sacrifice the football team to save the art club. If a football team were lacking, the money would somehow show up. They should learn someway to compromise, so that these creative programs don't keep dwindling. .
             Disinterests in creativity have been gradually increasing in children today. Research has shown that when children begin school, their level of creativity is astonishing. By the time these children reach about fourth grade they do not seem interested anymore. Reasoning has been that the students are not being pushed and encouraged to express their creative side. Limits are being placed on children and their creativity because of the educational systems that encourage conformity.