Be Creative

 

It’s a phrase we hear often,

 

“Be Creative!”

 

It’s probably mostly uttered

in regards to art

or some artistic

endeavor.

 

We hear it at the beginning,

“Have fun and just be creative!”

or

when a student is stuck

(or paralyzed)

“Just be creative

you’ll figure it out!”

 

But why?

Why does anyone say this?

What does it even mean?

 

If a student is stuck

in math,

we don’t tell them,

“Be mathematical!”

 

If a student is stuck

in writing

we don’t tell them

“Be literary!”

 

If a student is stuck in

gym

we don’t tell them,

“Be athletic!”

 

No.

 

We talk to them.

We offer specific feedback.

We might even model

something specific

for them.

 

Telling a student to

“Be creative!”

shows (and inspires)

an utter

lack of creativity.

 

Trevor (@trevorabryan)