Almost every toddler or preschooler enjoys creative activities like drawing, painting, coloring, or creating a memorable project. Creative activities have been linked to enhanced cognitive skills, high empathic behaviors, and increased intellectual flexibility. All those hours spent finger painting and playing with Play-Doh can be so important for your child’s development. And while the creative process might get a little messy from time to time, supporting your child’s artistic endeavors is always worth it. If you are looking for ideas to nurture your child’s creativity, we have a few ideas to get you started.
Create a Crafty Corner
With a craft corner, your child can express themselves whenever they’d like. You can create a mini art studio where your child’s creative juices can flow with a child-sized table, chairs, and an assortment of art supplies. Supply this area with containers to hold coloring pencils, paint, markers, and other child-safe household items. You might even enlist your child in helping to put their corner together just how they like it, contributing to their feeling of ownership and independence. No matter what they end up creating, take the time to display their art so that they know that creativity is valued in your home.
Follow a Few Creators
Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with crafty creators who are dreaming up doable art projects for the pre-K crowd. Of course, creativity doesn’t just mean the visual arts. Content creators also have activities built around music, dancing, singing, and even building. A quick search on YouTube or TikTok can provide endless ideas. We’ve also shared a few of our favorite Instagram accounts in this blog.
Involve Imagination
Whenever you watch preschoolers play together, you’ll often be impressed at how creative they can be. Imaginative or make-believe play consists of high-stakes adventures, unexpected problems with creative solutions, and memorable characters.
You can encourage your child’s storytelling skills by providing a box full of costumes and props for impromptu theatrical productions. Even storytelling with finger puppets and small toys can build your child’s imagination. Bonus: instead of flipping through Netflix, you and your family can watch a one-of-a-kind feature presentation written, directed, and starring your preschooler!
Make Music Magic
Nothing can raise the spirits quite like wiggling and dancing along to some wonderful melodies. Local libraries, parks, and children’s museums often feature local musical artists that specialize in memorable tunes for children. YouTube also has a few channels built just for toddlers that can help you throw your own preschool dance party. Or create a fresh playlist of a few favorites plus new tunes for your child to enjoy. If you’re looking for a way to encourage creativity, keep a few child-sized instruments accessible for your little musician to explore.
Adorn the Alphabet
You should be able to find big letters made out of plywood or cardstock at your local arts or crafts store. This is a great way to use simple art supplies for an art project that incorporates letter learning. You can decorate the letters with glue, yarn, pom poms, and markers while identifying the sounds they make. You can start with your child’s initials or their name. For a long-term project, you can even do one letter a week to make the whole alphabet!
The Gardner School Celebrates Creativity
Creativity is always an important part of the day at The Gardner School. Our curriculum includes activities in music, dance, the visual arts, and more. We provide open-ended, engaging art activities and enrichment classes to help students discover their unique gifts and talents. We help children learn by providing a supportive environment where they can grow their skills.
If you’re looking for exceptional child care that helps support your family, contact us today to learn more, or schedule a tour at The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School!