What three tips do you have for creativity?
10 Actions for Creativity
After interviewing 100 creativity researchers, educators, and administrators on the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, we discovered a treasure trove of practical wisdom. At the end of each episode, we asked guests to share three actionable tips for bringing creativity into the classroom. These 300 insights were carefully analyzed, distilled, and organized into 10 powerful actions that educators can use to spark creativity, foster curiosity, and inspire innovation in their students. Grounded in research and real-world experience, these 10 Actions provide a roadmap for educators looking to make creativity a cornerstone of their teaching.
1. Ask Questions
Once a mind is open, they’re allowed to fly free- Joanne McPike
Ask Questions highlights the transformative power of curiosity and inquiry in education, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that encourage open-ended exploration. From questioning traditional classroom setups to reimagining how we approach problem-solving, the chapter underscores how asking the right questions can lead to profound change. By fostering curiosity, empowering students to ask what excites them, and challenging them to solve open-ended problems, teachers can prepare learners for a future that requires adaptability, innovation, and a shared vision of what’s possible. Through stories and strategies, Ask Questions inspires educators to embrace curiosity as the foundation for deeper learning and creativity.
2. Keep Open
Once a mind is open, they’re allowed to fly free- Joanne McPike
Keep Open explores the importance of staying open-minded to new ideas, a critical mindset for fostering creativity and innovation. Being open means delaying judgment and allowing unconventional ideas to breathe, recognizing that even the most unlikely concepts can spark breakthroughs. This chapter emphasizes the need for educators to cultivate openness not only in themselves but also in their students, creating an environment where creativity thrives. By listening actively, fostering curiosity, and embracing multiple perspectives, teachers can nurture a culture of exploration and growth, encouraging students to approach learning with confidence and curiosity. Through stories and strategies, Keep Open illustrates how this mindset transforms classrooms into dynamic spaces for creativity and collaboration.
3. Be Deliberate
Exposure, exposure, exposure – Sally Reis
Be Deliberate emphasizes the importance of intentionality in fostering creativity within the classroom. This chapter highlights how deliberate efforts, such as designing structured frameworks that encourage originality or integrating open-ended tasks, can transform students’ learning experiences. Drawing from stories of educators and researchers, the chapter underscores the value of planning learning activities that challenge students to think creatively while providing them with the tools and freedom to explore their ideas. Whether through project-based learning, promoting flexibility to adapt to students’ emerging curiosities, or simply starting small with manageable creative initiatives, Be Deliberate shows how thoughtful actions can cultivate creativity and innovation, one step at a time.
4. Model Creative Behavior
It’s a risk – but it’s a good risk – Ron Beghetto
Model Creative Behavior emphasizes the importance of educators embodying creativity in their own practices to inspire students. By sharing their creative processes, navigating uncertainties, and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, teachers provide powerful examples for students to follow. This chapter highlights how embracing vulnerability and showcasing personal creativity—whether through problem-solving, exploring new teaching methods, or sharing personal projects—creates a culture of curiosity and innovation in the classroom. By modeling creative behavior, educators not only teach the value of creativity but also invite students to join them on a journey of discovery and growth, fostering a learning environment where imagination and exploration thrive.
5. Initiate Discussions
One day one I ask students are you creative – Mark Runco
Initiate Discussions emphasizes the importance of open dialogue among educators, students, and even parents to deepen the collective understanding of creativity in education. This chapter highlights how unpacking big ideas like creativity can clarify their meaning and purpose, fostering more intentional and impactful teaching practices. By engaging in conversations about what creativity truly entails—beyond the traditional confines of artistic expression—educators can challenge misconceptions and embrace creativity as a multifaceted competency. Incorporating students into these discussions further enriches the process, ensuring their voices and experiences shape the educational journey. Through these exchanges, educators and learners alike can discover new perspectives, build a shared vision for creativity, and create dynamic environments where innovation and curiosity thrive.
6. Build Relationships
The world needs educators to come together – Katie Trowbridge
Build Relationships highlights the dynamic and ongoing process of fostering meaningful connections that support creativity in education. Whether it’s nurturing teacher-student bonds, collaborating with colleagues, or exploring relationships with technology, building effective relationships requires intentional effort and adaptability. This chapter examines the complexities of these connections, recognizing that not every relationship will be immediately positive or conducive to creativity. By addressing challenges, embracing cultural competence, and maintaining flexibility, educators can create environments where trust, collaboration, and curiosity thrive. Additionally, as generative AI and other technologies reshape classrooms, developing thoughtful relationships with these tools becomes essential for fostering innovation and co-creativity in the learning process.
7. Maximize the Environment
Generate interesting environments – Wendy Ross
Maximize the Environment focuses on the importance of resourcefulness, adaptability, and creativity in utilizing both physical and digital spaces to enhance learning. This action highlights how educators can transform even the simplest spaces and everyday objects into dynamic learning environments that inspire creativity and engagement. Stories like Michael Mino’s transformation of a small space into a thriving maker studio show how resourceful thinking and minimal budgets can lead to meaningful educational experiences. Similarly, reimagining the use of everyday tools—such as interactive whiteboards or Google Docs—can expand their potential and provide new opportunities for collaboration and exploration. By questioning traditional perceptions and designing environments that inspire curiosity, educators can create spaces that act as a “third teacher,” fostering student innovation and growth.
8. Given Students Choice
Children must have freedom – Alfred Bautista
Give Students Choice explores the transformative power of allowing students to take ownership of their learning through voice, choice, and autonomy. By empowering students to select how, when, or even what they learn within a structured framework, educators can ignite curiosity, foster engagement, and inspire creativity. This chapter highlights how offering students options, from choosing their seating arrangements to designing personalized projects, builds agency and nurtures their intrinsic motivation. Through practical strategies like interest surveys, real-world problem-solving challenges, and flexible classroom management, teachers can create dynamic learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to explore their unique interests and talents. By giving students both the freedom to explore and the guidance to succeed, educators transform their classrooms into spaces of creativity, collaboration, and growth.
9. Teach Failure
Emotions are part of the creative process – Zorona Pringle
Teach Failure. Failure is an integral yet emotionally charged aspect of the creative process, often accompanied by feelings of shame, frustration, or embarrassment that linger long after the event. Teaching failure means not only encouraging students to take risks but also guiding them through the emotions that arise when those risks don’t pay off. Creating opportunities for students to engage with uncertainty—such as tackling real-world problems or participating in high-stakes projects—helps normalize failure and fosters resilience. Equally important is modeling vulnerability as educators by sharing personal stories of failure and demonstrating how to reflect, adapt, and persevere. By addressing the emotional impact of failure head-on, educators can help students build the confidence and creative mindset needed to navigate setbacks and transform them into opportunities for growth..
10. Have Fun
Even if you fail, it is fun to try – Howard Gardner
Have Fun. Fun is a vital ingredient in both teaching and learning, bringing energy, joy, and a sense of playfulness to the classroom. When educators embrace humor, silliness, and creativity, they create an environment where students feel connected and engaged. Fun doesn’t mean compromising rigor—it means finding joy in the process of discovery and exploration. Whether it’s through games, music, or simply trying something new, injecting fun fosters curiosity, strengthens relationships, and enhances retention. Importantly, fun isn’t just for the students; when teachers enjoy their work, they model enthusiasm and passion, creating a ripple effect that inspires their learners. As Bea Leiderman says, life is too short to take too seriously—so loosen up, embrace the messiness of trying, and celebrate the magic of learning together..
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