What, exactly, is creativity? Is it painting, drama, or puppetry? Is it dance, but not acting? These questions sound ridiculous to well-rounded parents, who know creativity springs forth in many forms. Children do not know this, and so must depend on caring teachers, such as the staff at Kids Konnect, to help them explore all the paths to creativity through preschool activities.
Preschool Fine Art
Little hands still have enormous dreams. Fuel those dreams by providing plenty of two-dimensional art materials to let them create:
- crayons
- fingerpaints
- watercolors
- sponges, brushes, tissues and cut potatoes for applying all of the above on both of the below
- drawing paper
- white chipboard (great for pucker-free painting)
Three-dimensional preschool activities that can bring out the Alexander Calder or Louise Nevelson in your son or daughter include:
- Legos or DUPLO blocks
- Play clay—Add one cup each cold water and salt, two teaspoons oil, and either tempera paint or food coloring to suit; add three cups flour and two tablespoons cornstarch slowly to get the texture you desire
- Shaving cream and white glue in equal parts makes puffy paint that dries 3D—perfect for snowmen!
Preschool Marching Band
The Nemours Foundation suggests several ways to inspire musical creativity:
- Make your own instruments, such as upside-down pots banged with wooden spoons
- Turkey roasting pan Chinese gong—Suspend it using pipe cleaners or string from a broom handle between two chairs
- Everybody dance—To the radio, a simple rhythm, or your own singing
- Take your child to musical events
- Use simple rhymes to foster pattern recognition
Places, Please!
An unusual or ornate dining room chair can become a throne, mountaintop, or pilot's seat. A pair of curtains attached to a round rod can frame a “stage” just about anywhere. Additionally, the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale suggests encouraging dramatic creativity with a few simple props:
- Multicultural plastic foods, utensils, stuffed animals and housekeeping props
- Dishes, doll strollers, office supplies, doctor's kits, wooden kitchens, and child-size desks
The teachers at Kids Konnect ensure every child finds outlets for creativity every day. Contact Kids Konnect today to learn more.