Creativity can take place in all kinds of human activity from cookery to chemistry. It requires inventiveness, curiosity, risk-taking and imagination. The arts can have a strong role in developing creativity in babies and young children. They can offer opportunities for sensory development, exploration and discovery, for experimentation, for asking ‘What if?’ and for practising different types of communication – all important aspects of creative behaviour.
Adults are central in helping children find out how to be creative through the arts. They can introduce new materials, words, stories, movement and music, build stimulating environments and displays. It takes time to be creative. Creative ideas in both children and adults go through many stages before they emerge, and even then may be discarded or changed. Try to give babies and young children time to make connections for themselves, and to go back to activities as often as they need to. It is worth remembering that not all arts activities are necessarily creative. If children are given too rigid a framework and little choice in the materials they use, their opportunity to be creative is limited.
Children from diverse ethnic backgrounds may have arts skills and knowledge which could be shared at your setting. Learning about cultural diversity through the arts can be a positive way of building self-esteem and ensuring inclusion for all children.
When you are planning a new activity or theme, think about how the four artform areas could be included – art, music, dance and drama/imaginative play. This will ensure that you are offering children a broad and balanced range of arts experiences.
Inviting parents and carers to join in with creative arts activities, for example with singing, dancing or making, helps build the confidence of both children and adults. Parents and carers may feel more able to support their children by continuing and developing arts-based activities at home. Displaying work imaginatively is one way of showing children that their contribution and creativity are valued.
Some parents and carers may not be able to come and share activities. Could you make a CD of songs often used in your setting, for parents and carers and their children to enjoy at home? Could photos be sent home individually or on CD, or be on display where parents can see them when they collect their children? Could you safely use email or a website to help parents keep in touch with activities? You should always get parental permission to use any images of children in print or online. Always check that children cannot be identified by name.
Some parents and carers may not be able to come and share activities. Could you make a CD of songs often used in your setting, for parents and carers and their children to enjoy at home? Could photos be sent home individually or on CD, or be on display where parents can see them when they collect their children? Could you safely use email or a website to help parents keep in touch with activities? You should always get parental permission to use any images of children in print or online. Always check that children cannot be identified by name.
Learning more about creativity and the arts will build confidence and expertise among adults in your early years setting. Often adults lack confidence in their own creativity; it is important to develop a positive and supportive creative culture in your setting. There are many ways to learn more, including:
• working alongside another person, such as an artist
• going to and taking part in arts events
• reading books, articles and websites
• talking to and observing other early years practitioners
• attending short courses
• trying out new materials and techniques
It can be difficult to convince adults that they are creative and that they can engage with the arts. Encouraging people to stretch their creativity – working together as a group, sharing ideas and not being afraid to make mistakes – can all help build confidence and enthusiasm.