Creativity in the elementary art classroom: Incorporating strategies for encouraging creativity

Virginia art educators base their lesson plans on the Visual Arts Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools. Although creativity is implied in these standards, they are not directly mentioned; it is possible that lessons are not encouraging student creativity. Through a review of literature, this study explored the role of creativity in the elementary classroom, the role of creativity in the art education classroom, and strategies to encourage creativity in students. Findings suggest that creativity can be incorporated into lessons through a variety of strategies. Creativity is a lifelong process, and strategies that are incorporated into lesson plans, will help cultivate student creativity. The strategies were then combined with the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards and charts were created to help art educators implement the strategies into lessons. Recommendations include art educators aiming to integrate creativity into lessons and making creativity a goal in their classrooms