Creative Problem Solving • Idea Generation
Creative Problem Solving for Kids: Random Words
The random-words technique deliberately connects an unrelated word to a problem. That forced connection can help children move beyond their most obvious idea and discover possibilities they would not normally consider.
Watch the random-words technique
Video by James Taylor. Watch on YouTube
Activity: Imaginary Inventions Galore
Objective: Use an unrelated random word to inspire an imaginary invention that solves an everyday problem.
Materials
- Paper or a sketchbook.
- Pencils, markers, or colored pencils.
- A hat, bowl, or jar with unrelated words—or the Random Word Generator.
- A few everyday problems to choose from.
Need a random word?
Use the free Random Word Generator to create a word for the activity. One random word is enough—the point is to work with whatever unexpected word appears rather than choosing one that already fits the problem.
Everyday problem ideas
- Design a gadget that tidies up a messy room with a single button press.
- Create a machine that helps plants grow faster and healthier.
- Invent a tool that turns vegetables into delicious ice cream flavors.
How to use the random-words technique
- Understand the strategy. Watch the introduction above and explain that a random word is not the answer. It is a prompt that forces a new connection and helps the learner move beyond the first obvious idea.
- Choose an everyday problem. Let the child choose a problem that feels relevant or fun. You can use one of the examples above or invent a different problem together.
- Generate a random word. Draw a slip of paper from a hat, bowl, or jar, or use the Random Word Generator. Work with the word you get instead of repeatedly generating words until one seems easy.
- Spark connections. Ask how the word’s shape, function, action, material, or associated ideas could influence the solution. It can help to list related synonyms, antonyms, nouns, adjectives, and verbs before choosing a direction.
- Draw the invention. Sketch the imaginary invention and show how it works. Add labels or notes explaining the important parts, what each part does, and how the random word influenced the design.
- Present the invention. Share it with family, friends, or another small audience. Explain the original problem, the random word, how the word inspired the idea, and how the invention solves the problem.
- Celebrate and reflect. Recognize the creativity involved in making an unexpected connection. Ask whether the idea would have appeared without the random word and which connection was most useful.
Example
Imagine the problem is cleaning a messy room and the random word is umbrella. The child might think about opening and closing, a central pole, folding ribs, a canopy, or protection from falling objects. Any one of those associations could lead to a new cleaning-device idea.
Why random words work
Children often search their memory for a familiar answer. A random word interrupts that pattern. It encourages them to connect concepts that normally would not be considered together, which is a practical way to exercise divergent thinking.
Try another structured creativity strategy
SCAMPER provides seven different lenses for changing and expanding an idea.
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Keep creating
Random Words is one strategy for getting past obvious ideas. Explore more free Create2Discover activities and guides for coding, creativity, problem solving, and independent learning.