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When we talk about skills that are essential to a child’s academic success, we mainly talk about basics like speaking, reading, writing, and counting. For many parents, creativity is a virtue for other kids; not a core skill for their children.
But being creative doesn’t require special techniques, equipment, or attributes. It’s a way of thinking and discovering new things, which helps us solve real-life problems.
Children are born innovators with vivid imaginations and a unique manner of self-expression. Introducing them to creative play at an early age can help develop their social, cognitive, and motor skills, hence shaping them into smart and successful individuals.
One of the best ways to encourage their imaginative skills is to enroll them in a daycare program that focuses on creative play over traditional textbook and worksheet activities.
Importance of Creative Play to Children
Using your imagination is an important part of any effective learning program, especially for young children. Here are some of the key benefits of engaging children in creative play.
1. Emotional Development
When children take part in creative play, they learn to integrate feelings with tasks. They make up stories and scenarios, which can help them cope with different feelings and emotions.
For younger kids who are not yet vocal, creative arts can help express their feelings, whether that’s through artwork, action figures, or dolls. Over time, children will gain confidence in their abilities and develop stronger self-esteem.
2. Intellectual Development
Creative play improves concentration and encourages important problem-solving skills with logical thinking, assessment, and sorting. For example, when a child tells a story or paints a picture, they learn how to imagine and make proper choices. They also learn important skills like self-reliance and thinking outside the box as Montessori schools teach problem-solving skills through creative play.
3. Social Development
When children take part in joint creative play like group dancing, singing, and drama, they learn to share and interact. These are fundamental aspects of social learning and encourage the development of important social skills like communication, care, sympathy, and respect.
Even when your child is playing alone, creative play can help develop social skills. For instance, if your child is playing with dolls or action figures, they’ll likely practice conversation and figure out how they’d respond when communicating with others in real life.
4. Motor Development
Creative activities, especially arts and crafts, can help improve your child’s motor skills. By exploring different techniques like cutting paper, folding, moulding clay, and painting, they learn to incorporate these skills into day-to-day activities like tying shoelaces and eating with a knife and fork. Developing fine motor skills requires practice and sets the stage for better hand-eye coordination and muscle memory. When your child pretends to be a police officer, running and jumping around your home, they’ll develop their gross motor skills and improve coordination.
Children are inquisitive by nature and providing them with creative learning experiences can help them grow into smart, compassionate individuals. Many reputable Montessori schools in Markham offer daycare programs involving creative group play. Choose the best one to ensure your child’s development through teamwork and fun activities.