IMPORTANCE OF IMAGINATION

Imagine this. . .

A few springs ago, in a small family run bookstore in Kingston, Ontario that smelled of new books and grand thoughts, I came across a quote that changed my life. Behind the cash register, looming large, was poster of Albert Einstein, his white cloudlike hair askew, tongue protruding in a manner that can be best described as mischievous. The poster bore the words "imagination is more important than knowledge". I stood there transfixed. You see, for many years until very recently, springtime was synonymous with exams, and I had spent that very morning sequestered in the University library frantically memorizing lists and facts for an upcoming exam. I felt saturated with knowledge. I was almost afraid to speak lest some of it leak out before I could get it down on paper during the exam. I had come in looking for a study break. I left a changed woman.

Is imagination more important than knowledge, or at the very least, equally important? For many children, imagination, wonder and creativity are part of everyday life and an integral part of their emotional, social and mental development. The use of imagination and creativity can help children express and process feelings, develop problem-solving skills and provide them with opportunities to try out new ideas. The benefits of imaginative play are numerous and include social skill development, empathy building, stress release and a sense of mastery and self esteem. Creativity has also been linked with resiliency. As adults we have the ability to help foster the imaginations and creativity of children by providing children with the opportunity for creative play and fantasy; a variety of experiences e.g. excursions into the community; choice e.g. which materials or toys to play with; encouragement; a safe environment where there is no right or wrong answer; and emphasis on the process of creating or imagining, not the 'finished product'

Childhood is a wonderful time to celebrate imagination and creativity. That being said, the practice of engaging and fostering our creative selves is beneficial at any age. As we move beyond braces and training wheels and information replaces imagination, it can sometimes be difficult to nurture our creativity. I remember thinking of imagination as the salad to the meat and potatoes of cold, hard facts, important, but relegated to the fringes. Paul Harris, a professor at Harvard's Graduate School of Education challenges this concept in his recent book The Work of Imagination. His message is as follows: "Suppose we think of pretend play and fantasy as something that's quite characteristic of young children-it makes them playful and endearing but doesn't really contribute to their later cognitive development and by adulthood it has in some sense disappeared. I tried to argue that this is wrong. Human beings have a gift for fantasy, which shows itself at a very early age and then continues to make all sorts of contributions to our intellectual and emotional life throughout the lifespan." Imagination and creativity can be expressed in many ways from cooking to gardening to painting and is a valid and valuable part of human existence.

As I walked out of the bookstore that day, I felt inspired by Einstein's words and I resolved to make use of my neglected imagination. Needless to say, I did not go back to the library, but spent the rest of the day reading and writing stories. These days, I am lucky enough to work with children and their curiosity, wonderment and active imaginations have kept me, well ...imagining.

Emily Tyson, B.A.H. is a School/Family Support worker with the Cranbrook Family Centre which is a program of Summit Community Services Society, a non-profit society committed to promoting community well being.