EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 24: Creative activities in ECE center

Ways of fostering creativity

1. Allow children to manipulate, explore, experience and let them try the activities on their own. Interfere as less as possible.
   
2. Never provide a model for children to copy, because copy is not an original act. This does not enhance creativity rather it hampers.
   
3. Teachers should understand that it is the process, not the product that matters to the young child.
   
4. Allow plenty of time and opportunity for the child to use material.
   
5. Pass comments which enhances the child’s creative ability.
   
6. Provide adequate material and unstructured material to foster creativity.
   
7. Maintain an emotionally healthy climate.
   
8. Develop positive attitudes in children to develop positive self and to be creative, original and spontaneous.

Uses of self expressive material

1. Provides opportunities for self expression.
   
2. Social, sensory and intellectual spheres are developed in children as they work side by side, talking with each other and exchanging ideas.
   
3. There is no right or wrong way to use these materials, hence there is no chance of failure.