When parents think about their child’s learning, both academically and otherwise, they often think about their progression in maths, science, and English. However, your child’s creativity is also important for their development. It gives them an outlet for self-expression, in a freeing and unjudgmental manner. I have teamed up with a private nursery in London to explore the importance of creativity in further detail below.
The experience of making something with their own hands, starting with nothing and finishing with something beautiful and unique, is incredibly rewarding and can help children with their confidence and belief in themselves. Usually, children draw on their personal feelings and experiences when creating something, which can reflect and nurture their emotional health and help them cope with their emotions. What’s more, creativity can cultivate a child’s mental growth, because it gives them the opportunity to explore new ideas, solve problems and come up with new concepts.
When drawing or painting, children are often filled with spontaneous ideas and they learn skills like thinking outside of the box, solving new problems and relying on themselves to come up with solutions. Creative work is also great for supporting a child’s fine motor development because it involves the small muscles in the hands and fingers.
There are lots of opportunities for creativity all around us, in art, books and unstructured play. Give your child some space to explore their creative side; you don’t have to stick to a strict schedule 24/7. Ask them to pretend to be a journalist and write a review of a book they’ve recently read. Encourage them to make their own birthday cards or even presents. Urge them to spend time outdoors so that they feel stimulated by new environments. Above all else, creative projects are a chance for children to have fun and feel inspired by something other than their digital devices.
