The importance of creativity in early childhood

Being creative relates to so much more than art and craft. It’s using our minds and imaginations to generate ideas, solve problems and create something new.

What is creative freedom in early childhood?

Creative freedom is allowing children to think and come up with their own ideas. Children are naturally creative. They’re curious about the world, keen to learn and open to new concepts. They soak up information, learning at a hugely rapid rate and it can be wondrous to watch and listen to them as they observe the world around them and make their own connections.

The importance of creativity in early childhood

Allowing children the freedom to develop their own thoughts, solutions and creations is vital to help them grow into adults who are creative thinkers and problem solvers. When children develop their creativity, they’re also growing in other areas, including:

• Cognitive growth: Creativity stimulates problem-solving and critical thinking skill by encouraging exploration and experimentation.
• Language development: Creative play in the early years encourages verbal expression through storytelling, role-playing and sharing ideas as children describe their creations or creative process.
• Motor skill development: Creativity in early childhood enhances fine motor skills through activities like painting, drawing, arts and crafts, sketching or building with blocks and other objects.
• Independence: Creativity encourages independence and builds self-esteem as children take pride in their work.

The importance of creative play

So how do we go about fostering creative development in early childhood? Play is key to developing a child’s creativity in early childhood. Experts agree children learn best through play and there are endless options.

How to nurture creativity in early childhood

At Edge Early Learning, we nurture creativity through creative play. Read on to see specific examples of exactly what is creativity in early childhood that parents and caregivers can try at home:

• Open-ended materials: Provide children with a range of materials to choose from to encourage creative thinking including crayons, markers, paints, playdough and building blocks.
• Dedicated art space: Set up a corner or space at home with easy-to-clean surfaces for creative activities and keep supplies accessible so children can independently start creative projects.
• Encourage imaginative play: Provide dress-ups, costumes and props for role-playing games such as forts, pretend shops or puppet shows.
• Encourage collaboration: Work on a project with your child, such as baking or painting, and encourage them to take the lead in making decisions.
• Limit screen time: Replace passive screen time with hands-on creative activities like colouring in or use digital tools that stimulate creativity such as drawing or storytelling.
• Music and movement: Play a range of music with different artists and genres and let your child sing, dance or make-up songs. Provide simple instruments like triangles, maracas or tambourines to encourage musical expression. Check whether your local library runs free craft sessions or musical story-time sessions and take your child along.
• Display their work: Showcase your child’s creative projects at home to build pride and confidence such as framing them or putting them on the fridge. Check out these art projects that double as home decor.

Edge Early Learning encourages creativity

At Edge Early Learning, we encourage children to put their thinking hats on and follow their own ideas to make original creations. When your child brings home their next artistic creation, take the time to ask them about it. What did they make, why did they choose the materials they did, did they have any problems and how did they overcome them? It’s lovely to hear their thought processes. And remember, it’s about the process more than the outcome!