In the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) guide, creativity is defined as ‘exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.’ As the leading letter in the CAS acronym and one of the highlighted twenty-first century skills, any educator knows that this is an area we have to help students cultivate – whether it be through academics, extracurriculars or a seed of inspiration planted in a conversation to encourage the stepping out of comfort zones.
As a result of the pandemic, millions of students around the globe have had extra time at home with more limited resources – which can spark a lot of great creativity, or it can be time to finally pursue passion projects and activities that they’ve been putting off. The opportunities are endless for students and with a computer, an instrument, drawing tools, and a little bit of imagination, there are no limits to where their creativity can flow. Here are some simple ideas to encourage students to get in touch with their creative sides:
Capture snapshots of history
Students can be encouraged to keep a physical or digital journal to document their experiences through photos, drawings, interviews with others, audio recordings, etc. Not only is this a creative outlet, but we should recognize the fact that everyone is currently experiencing history in the making. Why not document it as a primary history source for future generations?
Take advantage of the power of the Internet
Students can create YouTube videos or social media pages for just about anything from baking, music, movie reviews, fashion/beauty, workout videos, or science. They can take online classes through one of the many online education portals, such as Coursera or Udemy, and document their learning in a creative way.
Students now have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the global community through online conferences, webinars or other virtual activities. In this way, they are building connections and fostering relationships online. To do so in their immediate community, students can create a virtual spirit week for their peers with different themes and activities to spread messages of positivity. For instance, they might have a crazy hat day, or even invite family members to participate in TikTok dance challenges.
Develop artistic and creative abilities
Students can try blogging or writing short stories or poetry. They can try their hand at baking or cooking recipes by following video tutorials or asking older family members to teach them.
With just one computer, those wanting to develop their photography, video editing, 3D modeling, music making or digital art skills can do just that. Student artists can create online art portfolios or social media accounts to showcase their work, or take online art classes. Alternatively, they can use their artistic talents to share some depictions or expression of their feelings of the current global situation.
Students can delve into the world of DIY: crafting, scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, DIY beauty/health products. They can make products that are in higher demand, such as hand sanitizer, face shields, or face masks. By distributing these products to communities that need them, this can easily become Service. One Japanese student created the board game Catan with cardboard and origami and then enjoyed playing it at home with her family.
Encourage reflection on the development of creativity
Another important aspect of CAS is investing time reflecting on personal goals and development. Students can use these opportunities to recognize the growth of a new perspective or progress they have made. One student reflected, “I’ve been seeing this time as a great way to do the things that I’ve always wanted to do, but never got the time to do. I have learnt that retrying something only makes you better and when you keep trying, it becomes even better.”
Students can feel empowered when they consciously choose to spend their time developing their creative abilities: “I spent time self-learning 3D modeling. It is not easy to learn but it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I figure something out and figure out my mistakes.”
Many students have been seeing the importance and appreciating found quality time with family: “Having to spend more time with my family, talking about our lives, playing indoor games made us really bond and made me happy at the same time.”
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Dr. Katina Grigoraskos is the IBDP CAS & Events Coordinator and IBDP TOK Coordinator at Wells International School in Bangkok, Thailand. With ten years of international teaching experience and a PsyD in Human & Organizational Psychology, she is also an instructional facilitator for European International University’s Master of Education programme and a workshop leader at teacher conferences in the Asia-Pacific region.
You can find part two, which focuses on Activity here and part three, which focuses on Service here!
Looking to learn more about how you can support your IB students with CAS? Our student guide is accessible and practical, offering advice and guidance on how to select a suitable CAS activity and how to approach the task: from planning and time management to what makes a successful and positive CAS experience. This resource is also helpful for CAS Coordinators and those involved in planning student CAS projects in their school.
