Creativity also fosters mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas and new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Babies and young children are taking their first steps in creative exploration from birth as they begin to make connections and make sense of the world; they are natural explorers.
The development of our creative thinking skills is widely accepted as a key 21st century skill. Our world is rapidly changing, and the skills needed to adapt and innovate are becoming increasingly important. Additionally, we know that babies and young children need nourishment in order to flourish and reach their potential. There are many areas that nourish us. We need a balanced, healthy diet; physical exercise; rest and sleep; social and emotional interaction; and, crucially, the freedom to play and develop their creativity. Being creative is beneficial for our sense of well-being and mental health. This is true for everyone, children and adults.
The importance of play
Making these outrageous connections sounds like lots of fun! There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that young children learn and develop best through play; in fact, play is often called the ‘highest form of learning.' Through play, babies and young children have the chance to develop their confidence, self-esteem, communication, and core attitudes (or dispositions) toward learning.
While they are playing, they can build upon their natural curiosity and their desire to explore and make sense of the world around them. These dispositions are attitudes and behaviors such as persistence, resilience, collaboration, and risk-taking. These provide the foundations for learning. Through play and our support, children will naturally develop the skills to cultivate their creativity.
Possibilities are generated by children (and adults) in all areas of learning, whether imaginative play, exploring music and composition, cooking, mark-making or writing, outdoor physical play, mathematical development, or an early understanding of the world.
Imaginative play
Imaginative and pretend play engage children creatively. This is often self-driven and self-directed, following children’s interests and experiences. It’s great fun to support the play by taking a role and adding props. For example, if children show an interest in animals, you could suggest collecting toy animals and playing vets together. However, it’s important to allow your child to guide the play and decide the direction that it will follow, tempting though it may be to take over!
By offering a variety of "open-ended" items that kids can use to create their own whatever-they-want-it-to-be play, parents and teachers can encourage more free-form play and creative thinking in their young charges.
This could be anything from plain rolls of old wallpaper and fabric to old cardboard boxes.
By offering a variety of "open-ended" items that kids can use to create their own whatever-they-want-it-to-be play, parents and teachers can encourage more free-form play and creative thinking in their young charges. This could be anything from plain rolls of old wallpaper and fabric to old cardboard boxes.
No planning and let your children take the lead is also the best way to help children grow creativity. When children take the lead they can have a feeling of freedom and creativity develop easily. It can be at home or outside.
Slowdown your planning and offer endless time outside.