Reduce your toddler's screen time as much as possible. Instead, take them outdoors to play. Vandewater EA, Bickham DS, Lee JH. Time well spent? Relating television use to children’s free-time activities. Pediatrics. 2006; 117(2):e181–e191. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-0812 Kiewra, C., & Veselack, E. (2016). Playing with Nature: Supporting Preschoolers’ Creativity in Natural Outdoor Classrooms. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 4(1), 70–95.
When your toddler is playing, occasionally describe your toddler's play. For example, you can say, "Are you cooking the leaves for dinner? Delicious! Hmm, how do we make an oven for the 'stone' cakes?" Then, let your toddler think of solutions on their own.
Reduce screen time so that children have time to play and explore, which builds creativity.
Research has shown that outdoor play supports children's creativity and imagination. A study conducted at a Nature Explore Classroom in Minnesota found that a well-designed environment filled with natural materials supported creative play. The study found that the four factors that enhance children's creativity and imagination in the outdoors are i) predictable spaces, ii) ample and consistent time for children to play, iii) open-ended materials, and iv) caring, observant adults who support creative play and learning.
Although children benefit from free play and unstructured activities, children's play can become routine and repetitive when left entirely to their own devices. Adults can help children develop their creative skills by offering support and challenge, building on and extending children's learning. Instead of solving problems for children, caregivers can ask open-ended questions, such as, "Can you tell me about what you have made?'' to appreciate their creative process or, "How else do you think the bear can climb over the fence?" to help them think more creatively to solve problems.
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