Promoting Creativity in Preschoolers

Thinking about creativity in children

Parents and educators often consider how much structure or freedom will promote creativity when nurturing preschoolers at school or home. As parents and educators, we usually think about if or when is a good time to step in and assist a child or when is a good time to step back, observe and listen. Whether you are at home or in the classroom, parents and educators should focus on creating an environment that fosters ideas and sparks the imagination of our little people rather than stepping in to show them how.

Below are some ideas that can assist parents and educators when promoting creativity in our preschoolers.  

Show examples and encourage experimentation

A blank canvas can feel intimidating to a child and sometimes leave them unsure of where to start. Showing examples of work can inspire ideas, and with encouragement, children can be inspired to change or modify examples using their voices and ideas to form their unique creations. Let their work take its path, and encourage the child to try different ways of creating using different materials. Even if it gets messy, it is all part of the experience and can become a sensory experience!

Provide a wide range of materials

Various materials for drawing, building, and making can inspire many ideas in preschoolers. Combining natural materials collected outdoors with recycled paper and boxes can provide a foundation for all creations. Combined with felt and fabric, pop sticks, glue, and tape, this could be provided in an easily accessible space for all children, allowing for the sharing of ideas amongst the group for various creations.

Take a collaborative approach

A collaborative approach involves children, their parents, and educators working together in a group small enough to ensure that everyone can participate. It is a healthy balance between giving children guidance and tools and allowing them the freedom to express their thoughts and ideas. When this occurs, everyone has an opportunity to learn from each other.

Highlight the process, not the product

Some of the most important learning happens when children are making and creating. It is always exciting and can be rewarding to see the product. However, it does not have to be the focus. As children make, ask them what gave them their ideas or what they will use to make them come to life. If something they do does not go to plan, praise them for trying and encourage more attempts, acknowledging that failure is part of the process and can lead to success.

Ask questions and reflect

As parents and educators, talking to children about our thinking processes encourages discussion and sharing ideas about logic and how we think about ideas. It is important to reflect on work and ask questions. How do you think it went? Did it go to plan? Reflecting and asking questions about our work as parents and educators encourages teachers’ children to be reflective learners.

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Reference 

10 tips for cultivating creativity in your kids | (ted.com)