Creating Creators - Creativity Matters Report Series

The research is piling up: children need creative skills to thrive. We asked the experts why creativity is so important, and what we can do to give children space to hone their skills.

"The world no longer rewards us for what we know… but for what we can do with what we know."
Andreas Schleicher, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, OECD

Creativity matters – in the classroom and beyond

When we give children space to build creative skills, we set them up to thrive. To explain why that is - and how we can do better at shaping education systems around creativity - we spoke experts from around the world.  They represent different disciplines, being academics, assessors, influencers, governments, learners, and teachers. But they’re all agreed: creativity matters.

Watch some snippets of what they had to say, read the highlights, and download the full report below.

Press play below to hear more about each case study

The world is changing faster than ever; creativity is how we keep up

Millions of today’s children will grow up to work in jobs and industries that don’t even exist yet. When they learn to solve problems, innovate, and think flexibly – in other words, when they develop creative skills – they get ready to take on the future, no matter what it holds.

 

Learning through play is the best way to foster creativity

As Mitchel Resnick of the MIT Media Lab puts it: “When children are playful, they are constantly experimenting, trying new things, taking risks, testing the boundaries – and learning in the process.”

When children play, they can’t help but hone their creative skills. And it sets them up to be curious, engaged lifelong learners.

 

How we teach now constrains creativity – so we need a rethink

Our systems now tend to funnel children down a path: maths or literature, science or art. Or they teach information, without giving children a chance to put it to use. Unlocking creativity means putting children in charge of their learning – so they can follow diverse interests and put ideas into practice. One example in the report is Scratch: an online coding community that gives children the tools to create their own passion projects. 

Dive into the full report

Explore more research

How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

October 2022 Evidence
World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health
July 2022 Evidence
Good Life at home and at play
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.
May 2022 Opinion
8 play ideas for family wellbeing
March 2022 Opinion
Play more, worry less: 3 ways play boosts resilience

Let's play

What Makes Us Special

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Traffic Lights

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes