In the chapter, "Getting creative in the languages classroom" in Creative Multilingualism: A Manifesto (2020), we explain that activities that introduce 'an element of unexpectedness and unpredictability, or "surprise" (...) can lead to greater stimulation for learners, and hence opportunities for creativity' (p. 158).

We also argue that literature, and especially poetry, is particularly useful for injecting that unpredictable aspect, because of the degree of ambiguity and range of possible interpretations often inherent in poetry. Poetry also often links with emotions and feelings, using language in novel and unusual combinations to do so. It can prompt the reader to see different perspectives, to develop a sense of empathy with the perspectives of others – all key aspects of creativity.