There is a natural curiosity that all children possess when they are firstborn. This curiosity fuels their development and their creativity. When children are young, creativity comes very easily, but as they age, often, it dwindles. Thankfully, creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured. By working to cultivate this skill, we are preparing children to be successful in the future.
What is Creativity? When most people hear the word “creativity”, their minds envision a painting, a song, or some other artistic creation. While those are examples of creativity, creativity isn’t limited to artistic expression. Creativity is defined as “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, and interpretations.” Creativity is involved in all aspects of our lives. Tips to cultivate creativity in children: As children get older, their opportunities to be creative are often stifled by other responsibilities and interests. It is important to continuously cultivate and nurture their creativity, and here are some tips to do so: 1. Provide materials for creative expression – Of course, this includes items like paints and musical instruments, but it also includes items such as blocks, computer programs, and apps that allow them to use their imaginations, and any materials, or tools, that are open-ended.
2. Encourage independence and autonomy – Children must be given the space to question things. They must be given the freedom to explore and make mistakes. With independence comes the ability to practice critical thinking.
3. Encourage reading and participation in the arts – While the artistic expression isn’t the only form of creativity, participating in the arts is a great way to unlock creative minds. This includes dancing, attending or performing in concerts and musicals, etc. Reading is also a great way to get creative minds working.
4. Help them pursue their passions – Children will stay engaged with activities if they are, genuinely, interested in what they are doing. Supporting them and their passions is a great way to build their confidence so that they can progress and develop what they are passionate about.
5. Share your passions with them – Whether you are passionate about cooking, world history, or collecting baseball cards, sharing your passion will encourage them to pursue theirs. Simple Ideas Based On Ages:
Ages 0-5 · Open-ended toys (blocks, pretend kitchen sets, toy cars) · Sensory bins filled with items they can explore
Ages 6-12 · Let them get “bored” – playing outside independently, etc. · Reading – any kinds of books that interest them, including comics and magazines
How Does Creativity Help Children?
By nurturing a child’s creativity, they can develop important skills that will allow them to be successful in the future; through creativity, children develop social emotional and cognitive skills. These skills are essential for success in adulthood. Children also learn how to problem solve; innovation and creativity are often at the forefront of new technologies and methods. Additionally, through their creative self-expression, they learn so much about themselves and how they can positively impact others.
Children are born with creativity, but it doesn’t continue to thrive on its own; it needs to be cultivated and nurtured. At Little You we came up with an idea to let children share their creations with their families, classmates, and social media friends. The process of sharing helps to enhance their social development and build confidence. We want to build a culture around innovation and creativity, bringing forth a new way for children to grow up happier and healthier. Our purpose is to capture the imagination of children and encourage them to think about the stories waiting to be told. Most importantly, turning imagination into reality!