Many teachers are stuck on being creative in traditional ways. Let your students and yourself as a teacher explore more. A creative way to paint something is with bubble wrap. Cut out shapes in the bubble wrap, which ever the kids prefer, and dip the shape into paint and place it on a piece of paper as you would do a sponge. This technique is very fun and creative. I like for students to stay engaged and be interactive.

http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Colors/Bubble_Wrap_Prints/Bubble_Wrap_Prints.html