Increase Young Childrens Involvement in Creative Activities
Return to ZOOM MAP--Increase Positive Experiences in Early Years
Creative activites are an important part to enhance a child's developmental life, and effort to incorporate them into a child's daily routine should be important. Below are resources and information on hw to increase a young child's involvment in such activities.
Contents
Background
Creative activities in a child’s life is an important part of their overall development. It can assist in developing imagination, building confidence within the child’s life, understanding and expressing emotions and improving social skills[1].
Creativity is the freest form of self expression, and children need to be creative to express themselves whenever they aren’t able to do so verbally. Importantly, creative activities fosters mental growth by providing opportunities to problem solve and create new and healthy methods of thinking [2].
There are several benefits of having children engaging in creative activities. With children learning to hold pencils, scissors and using their proprioceptive inputs, it helps the child develop their tactile skills and dexterity[3]. In an age where children are exposed to electronic devices at an early age, using their hands and fingers to manipulate their tools helps to increase their hand strength, and helps to support their balance and movement[4]. Sensory development is an important aspect in creative activities. Children make sense of their world through interacting with their environment through their senses, and being able to work through these activities develops their observational skills, exploring different textures and gaining a greater understanding of their world[5]. As creative activities are not as simple to complete, they assist in helping children make connections and introduce the concept of FAIL- ‘First Attempt in Learning’ [6]. Through the process of designing and making projects, the child gains confidence when their ideas are recognized and appreciated[7].
Tools and Resources
Raising Children- Australian Parenting Website
- Describes why creative acitvies are important for children and their development
- Provides examples of such activities and what materials are needed
- Intended for parents and guardians of children
- Link to website here
Firstcry Parenting
- Educational blog ran by an OBGYN, available in several langauges including Hindi, Bangla and Marathi
- Has information divided by the child's age; 0-2 years, 2-4 years and 4+
- Has extensive list of examplars for creative activies, and sections for what you will need
- Intended for parents and guardians
- Link to website here
Promising Practices and Case Studies
Examples from communities that have implemented tools focused on this objective
Scorecard Building
Actions to Take
Actions for Coalitions
Actions for Individuals
Sources
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/development/creative-development/preschooler-creative-activities#:~:text=Simple%20things%20like%20looking%20at,can%20spark%20your%20child's%20imagination.&text=Whatever%20creative%20ideas%20your%20child,child%20plenty%20of%20descriptive%20praise.
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/wholechild/providers/play.html#:~:text=A%20child's%20creative%20activity%20can,of%20thinking%20and%20problem%2Dsolving.
- ↑ https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/inspiration/10-benefits-of-creative-activities-for-children-the-creation-station
- ↑ https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/inspiration/10-benefits-of-creative-activities-for-children-the-creation-station
- ↑ https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/inspiration/10-benefits-of-creative-activities-for-children-the-creation-station
- ↑ https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/inspiration/10-benefits-of-creative-activities-for-children-the-creation-station
- ↑ https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/inspiration/10-benefits-of-creative-activities-for-children-the-creation-station
