How To Encourage Creativity In Toddlers Through Play
Learn how you can help your toddler hone these important skills through play
Creativity is important to a child’s health and happiness. Besides artistic and musical expression, creativity also helps to boost their development in science and mathematics, as well as their social and emotional intelligence. A creative child grows to become more adaptable to change says Sandra Heng, a class leader at Baby Sensory Singapore. This makes him better at solving problems. Your kid learns creativity best during playtime. This is because they feels most relaxed, which improves their ability and propensity to learn.
Here's how you can make playtime more meaningful, Sandra shares.
Allow them to enjoy unstructured, imaginative and pretend play. Get them to direct the playtime.
You can dress up and have a conversation through mini figurines, model farms and houses, or kitchens and tea sets.
Set up a creative corner with art supplies like paint, crayons, glue, drawing paper, strips of cloth and different types of paper.
This is where they can create freely without messing up other areas at home.
Take them to the park and encourage them to explore their natural surroundings – flowers, trees, leaves, water, sand, and soil.
As they learn to venture beyond their comfort zone at home, your tot will begin to feel more confident.
Their creativity can be curbed by fears of failure and judgement. Instead of criticising them, focus on the process instead of the end result.
Share your love for creativity with them. Listen to a piece of beautiful music or discuss a famous painting together.
Help them develop a sense of pride by decorating a wall or shelf with their creations.
A version of this article first appeared in Young Parents.