Creating a space in the home for creative art activities will help nurture creativity.
The arts invite children to imagine, solve problems, express ideas, and make sense of their experiences.1- V. Vecchi. (2010). Art and creativity in Reggio Emilia: Exploring the role and potential of ateliers in early childhood education, Routledge, London (2010)
Drama, music, dance and visual art foster creativity and imagination in toddlers. Creative arts also help children express their feelings. Young children may not always be able to say why they’re feeling angry, happy or frightened. But in an encouraging environment, they may be able to use activities and experiences to express these feelings using paint, colour, movement, mime, dramatic gestures, singing or dancing.2- Sharp, Caroline. (2001). "Developing Young Children's Creativity through the Arts: What Does Research have to Offer?" Pp. 36. Slough: National Federation for Educational Research
Art activities should be open-ended so that children have the time and space to construct their understanding of the materials and their properties. Encouraging exploration, rather than being too concerned about the product, helps promote divergent and creative thinking. Talking to children about what they are creating and allowing them to express what they think and feel will help develop creativity.3- Schwarz, T., & Luckenbill, J. (2012). Let's get messy! Exploring sensory and art activities with infants and toddlers. Young Children, 67(4), 26-30, 32–34.
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