Posted by Maria to
Make no mistake about it. As we all know, all children are creative, yet sometimes that sense of creativity can be heightened through our participation in reinforcing that skill, sense & ability through social interactions, artistic pursuits and games. As an early linguistic professor, Noam Chomsky, despite his current misadventures in political speculation studied the ingenuity and creative use of language from the ages of 3-7 and came to the conclusion that all children are geniuses in that 5 year period, especially in creativity and language. His studies eliminated the theory that language use was basically an imitation of words and meaning: Children would construct new sentences and phrases chock full of meaning and novelty. Since language use was social and based on the child’s sense of creativity, it is a prime time to inspire and encourage creativity.
Employing a “creativity” routine of an hour or two a day will benefit the child in a number of ways: stimulate the use of imagination (foundation for creativity), improve the process of self-expression and esteem, develop individual qualities in relation to social practices and contexts, as well as guide the child into the mature practices of problem-solving. Creativity is endless! A child can be guided into playing music, painting or drawing, dancing, enjoying games and activities. To you, this development of the child’s sense of creativity can reinforced each day, through interaction and togetherness. There is no doubt that it is a rare occurrence for a child to wish time alone and not in desire that creative sense of play.
- Following are some creative exercises of imaginative play:
- Dramatic play and storytelling. The story can be mutually created. Alternating the creation of plot, characters and so on. In addition, the tones of voices can be changed to suit the character. Even clothing or a rough set can be creatively constructed.
- Dance to music – let your movements run free. The sillier the song, the better! Have fun!
- Cloud interpretation – stretch out on a blanket with your child and interpret what you both see in the clouds. Eagles, bears, pirates, porpoises, what do you see?
- My grandfather had a farm game. If the child knows his or her ABCs – this old car travel game – employs the use of creativity, as well as reinforces the sequence of the ABCs.
- The process – turn taking – requires the first to state:
My grandfather had a farm and on his farm were:
Response: Apples (or Avocados, etc.)
My grandfather had a farm and on his farm were:
Response: Bananas (or Blueberries, etc.)
- Have them tell You a story
- Play a song together using any “instruments” that can be found: pots and pans, kazoo, actual musical instrument.
The creative possibilities are endless only limited by you and your child’s imagination. Play! Create! Have fun together!