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6 - Development of Creativity in School-Age Children

from Part II - The Development of Creativity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

By
Alexis W. Lee  and
Sandra W. Russ
Edited by
Sandra W. Russ ,
Jessica D. Hoffmann  and
James C. Kaufman
Sandra W. Russ
Affiliation:
Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
Jessica D. Hoffmann
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
James C. Kaufman
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut
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Summary

The school-age years are an important period for the development of creativity. Children 6–12 years of age must learn to balance creative thinking with the conventional demands of parents, schools, and society. The development of components of creative thinking should be focused on in research. Divergent thinking is one component that is a valid indicator of creative potential. Much of the research on the developmental trajectory of divergent thinking has found contradictory results. Moderators such as type of task and culture are factors to take into account. Pretend play is also a common form of creative activity during these years that includes many of the components of creativity. Implications of research findings are discussed.

Keywords

divergent thinkingconventional thinkingpretend playdomains
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Lifespan Development of Creativity , pp. 126 - 138
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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