Serious Play and How It Can Help Creativity

I attended a Leading SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) class this week, and one of the training methods was to demonstrate team facilitation skills and exercises. One was Serious Play with Lego. Check out the link for the methodology.

The Serious Play is a good technique for adult learners. It stimulates creativity and causes you to use both sides of your brain while you’re listening or thinking. As a writer, you can do these exercises when you’re plotting or trying to get out of a rut.

Legos/Building Blocks

When you’re brainstorming or plotting, pull out the building blocks and build. You don’t have to have a plan. Let your subconscious guide you. You’ll be surprised at the creativity it sparks.

PlayDoh or Modeling Clay

Back in my training years, I’ve used PlayDoh in classes to get people to use their tactile skills and to energize them to come up with new ideas. As a writer, if you’re stuck or need to work out a plot point, break out the PlayDoh. The smell will bring back lots of childhood memories.

Coloring

If you’re stuck, get out the crayons or colored pencils and color or draw. Studies have been done about the recognizable smell of crayons. The hand-eye work stimulates the creative regions of the brain and stimulates activity.

These are some fun ways that will bring back memories to get your creativity kick-started. What else would you add to my list?