There are different methods employed by a teacher to enhance the teaching-learning outcome. Here, we will be focusing on creative expressions. As teachers, it is very important for us to understand the meaning of the word creative expression. Basically, it means any expression used by children with some novelty. It is really important to nurture the creativity of the students through a rich learning environment of performance and visual arts. Examples of visual art could be painting, drawing, writing poems etc. and in the performing arts, we can have puppetry, role plays, theatres, mimicry, etc. It can also include dance and music that can act as a perfect way for the tsudents to express their creative side openly. 

Some forms of creative expressions could be:

• Graphic Arts- it can include drawing, making collage, banner making, poster making etc.
• Writing- poetry, songs, drama, essays etc. It gives them a creative outlet to their expression.
• Music- children actively respond to songs that inspire and energize them.
• Dance and themovements associated with it helps the child express their thoughts and views which they may not be comfortable sharing with words.

These expressions help engage children creatively and meaningfully. It is important to understand that creativity stimulates learning as when students care encouraged to think independently, they become interested in discovering things for themselves along with becoming open to new ideas and exploring new ones. Young students of the contemporary democratic societies need to be groomed and supported to help them become citizens with critical thinking and problem solving skills. The diversity of learning environment is very important as it caters to different learning styles of the students. 

Teachers need to enhance the creative expression technique to help the students become better at managing change along with coping up with any adversity. It can also be effective in developing the affective domain amongst children. We live in a society of diversities along with plurality of thoughts. Thus, children will be able to respect these differences and be able to respond to new interactions and collaborations with enhanced creative expressions. 

Creative Expression technique helps promote teamwork and working in collaboration along with focusing on the individual student. Its other benefits are:

• Promotes self confidence among the students
• Fun filled learning environment for the students
• Helps in creating non-stressed and non-competitive atmosphere in the classroom

About the author

Onil Gangopadhyay is an educator in India. Any views expressed are personal.