Craftivity vs. Creativity

In recent years, the term "craftivity" has grown in popularity, especially on sites like TpT and Pinterest. The best of these combine a cutesy craft with a meaningful curricular skill; the result is 25 nearly identical, but always adorable projects that come together to create a picture-perfect bulletin board or hallway display. It may sound like I'm down on craftivities, but I'm not. As a teacher, I've employed them countless times and I've been pleased with the results. There is definitely a place for craftivities. But I've also had the realization that for the most part, a craftivity does not invite creativity.

So what DOES invite creativity? In a word...making. Even without a makerspace, there are so many ways to encourage making. Give your students some raw materials, and let them create! Need some convincing? Here are some comparisons to consider:

• A craftivity is teacher-directed. Making is child-centered.

• A craftivity has step-by-step directions. Making has criteria and constraints (sometimes).

• A craftivity has a predetermined outcome. Making can have multiple solutions.

• A craftivity limits creativity. Making encourages creativity.

• A craftivity has no "problem." Making requires problem solving.

• A craftivity encourages uniformity. Making allows for individuality.

• A craftivity is often cute or attractive. Making is often messy.

• A craftivity makes a great bulletin board display. Making makes a great thinker.

If you're choosing an activity for your bulletin board, by all means, go with a craftivity. But if you're choosing an activity for your students, let them make!