Divergent thinking is the ability to generate alternative solutions or ideas, often yielding multiple answers. It’s like a brainstorming session where a spontaneous list of possible solutions to an open problem is created in a free-form manner.
Developing divergent thinking in a child during their formative years determines whether they will be able to creatively solve problems in the future, regardless of their intelligence or experience. AdmiGram.com has gathered some important tips that will help your child develop divergent thinking from a very young age.
What is divergent thinking and why is it important for a child?
Ask open-ended questions
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A child’s perception of the world is often binary, dividing things into right and wrong. So, in their understanding, every school assignment has only one correct solution. While mathematics should remain mathematics, you can ask your child questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no, encouraging them to think beyond the obvious and find multiple solutions.
Example: Ask your child something like, ‘What would change or how would our lives be if the whole world experienced endless summer?’
Don’t demand blind obedience
Again, don’t raise your child in a paradigm of “only good or bad.” Provide them with choices and the opportunity to solve situations. Let them understand that every situation has multiple solutions. Encourage them to explore these options, discuss them with you, and offer guidance. Don’t force your child to see the world in black and white only.
Example: Your child wants to bring dirty chestnuts home from the street. Is it terrible? No! Because chestnuts can be cleaned, and you can make a herbarium out of them, and so on.
Teach how to doubt correctly
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Critical thinking is essential for survival in the modern world. While math can remain math, encourage and compel your child to challenge established, obvious, and seemingly clear-cut ideas. Non-standard thinking will not only teach your child to analyze problems but also increase their adaptability in the world.
Example: Start by discussing cartoons, books, or movies together. Ask questions like ‘What were they trying to tell us?’ and ‘Why did they want to tell us this?’
Incorporate improvisation more often
Improvisation is not only fun but also incredibly beneficial. It’s something you can play with your child. Your game should be based on spontaneous idea generation or interactions. Invent something and give your child the task of solving it through dance, a story they come up with, or an improvised role.
Example: Play a game with your child where they have to invent new words that correspond to different situations. Let your child explain the meanings of these words.
Teach a second language
Learning a second language at an early age literally programs the brain for parallel perspectives on any situation. For instance, you can ask for candy from Mom in two different languages (your native language and the one you’re learning), and both requests would be correct. Children who learn a second language tend to have more flexible and divergent thinking compared to those who speak only one language.
Example: Start with Spanish, at least. Spanish and English share many words and similar grammatical structures. Your child will find it easier to grasp than French or German.
image on top: Zahra Amiri / Unsplash
