I think creativity must be sparked by a desire for a better solution either to a problem or a point of view . Classical logic equations are a must. Creativity must be accompanied by sound Logic.

In my business, i do property development. I also do sight analysis prior to purchase. The most fun part of my job is to very carefully listen to what the customer thinks that they are after. Then I ask a couple questions to fill in any blanks that I might have, followed by my explanation of the interpretation of what I think I can create for them. Opperating heavy equipment is my creative outlet. I get to sculpt. The Earth is my medium and my dozers and excavator are my tools.
I also require my very analytical side to figure out the 200 steps between beginning and completion, the most efficient order in which to do those steps, estimate the time needed to perform those tasks and the materials required. This work is all required just to create the bid and get the job. Later, implementing this plan is so rewarding. Finding that you were accurate in your estimate and having the ability to see real accomplishment at the end of the day. Significant work and dreams created.
The reason that I bring this up in this discussion is because a lot of my friends that work in the tech industry have told me that they would trade places with me in a second.
Creativity, technical know how, problem solving and art can come together in many different ways. And, it can all be taught in as many ways.

The one problem with what is said in the article is the equating of “coding” to the process of software development. Coding is only one part of software development.

Other essential elements of software development include (problem) analysis, design, development (this is coding), testing, deployment and documentation. And, for many systems, this is an iterative process whereby the software system is updated to reflect changes in need.

The author has failed in his analogy because his analogy is wrong — and so is that of the authors pushing coding as the answer.

The author is right when he addresses the larger problem... we should work to encourage wonder and the desire to explore in our kids — to encourage their curiosity. But, the author is wrong too. We also need to teach our children that there is more than just curiosity. We need to teach them to look beyond what they experience to identify new paradigms that are not limited by the experience or limited by the rules of others. We need to teach them to reach beyond their failures and strictures to find new ways to address and resolve problems; and, to even find new problems. Simply teaching them to be creative is not enough.

I love coding for the problem solving. The syntax of the coding is the pain that you have to get over to do the interesting problem solving. It's like a language. You can't write great literature without learning one.