“Structure ignites spontaneity.” Stephen Nachmanovitch

This statement from one of my favorite books on creativity seems contradictory.  The two words have acquired opposite connotations in our culture.  Just try to say the word “structure” without your spine stiffening just a bit, or “spontaneity” without feeling a hint of freedom.  In fact, structure is essential to spontaneity because it provides the ground from which to act.

We imagine that scientists are structured and organized while artists are spontaneous and creative.  We often force the same split on our children when we suggest that one is destined to be an engineer and the other a poet.  In reality, each child is an artist/scientist brimming with natural inquisitiveness and creativity.

I write this as the Christmas trees are coming down and millions of parents are looking at the pile of new toys with dismay, wondering where to put everything.  The importance of structure to spontaneity becomes clear when our kids have to struggle through a sea of discarded things to find that one piece they need for their latest project/idea.  What’s needed is a fluid system of organization that encourages creativity and requires minimal daily maintenance.

Organizing for Creativity:

1. Separate your child’s toys and materials into three categories: keep, ask, and give.

The “keep” pile should be things that are actively used on a daily or weekly basis.  The “ask” pile should be a small selection of things that you will ask your child to consider giving away.  The “give” pile should be boxed up and put out of sight.  Do this before involving your child to avoid overwhelming them with too many choices. Don’t allow clutter to bury creativity.

2. Organize toys and materials by function.

This step seems obvious but it will help you visualize which kind of organization will work best for each type of toy.  For example, you could create an “art studio” area where creative materials are kept in clear bins.  The goal is to make your child’s space accessible and empowering to their creative minds with a system that they can also tidy up at the end of the day.  When toys with different functions get thrown into the same pile, their creative possibilities are obscured.

3. Choose storage options that require minimal time to maintain.

Separating each Lego piece into it’s own little compartment may seem like a great idea for the first day or two but it’s sure to become a burden when the schedule gets busy.  Look for storage systems that attain a balance of organization and ease of use.

4.  Make a “Trophy Shelf” to encourage creativity and order.

Instead of barking out orders to “Clean your room!” at the end of each day, take the time to ask your child what he or she made that day. Have them place something that they made or their favorite toy for the day on a “Trophy Shelf” which should be a clutter free zone where their latest creations can be admired and then have them put the other things away.

Visit Scott’s website at www.thebuilderbag.com to find out more about their company and products. The Builder Bag is a PTPA Award Winner that’s incredibly helpful at making clean-up time easy and quick when the kids are playing with their LEGO or other similar toys.

Would you like a chance to win one of these amazing bags? Of course you do! Here’s how to enter to win:

1. “like” The Builder Bag on Facebook, “like” PTPA on Facebook (if you haven’t already)

2. Comment on their PTPA winner’s page what you love most about The Builder Bag.

3. Comment once below to let us know you’ve taken these steps.

Thank you to all who entered. This contest is now closed. Congratulations Kathren M! You’re the lucky winner! Woo hoo!