Every child is born with the innate characteristics they inherit from their family, but the foundations of the characteristics they will possess in adulthood are also formed by the influences of their family and the environment they live in. Every child possesses creative talent. The continuity of creativity and the ways it manifests vary from child to child.
Creativity is the ability to make connections between previously unrelated materials and ideas, to perceive, to see, to transcend the boundaries of the known and to rearrange thoughts in an aesthetic way, and to be original.
Raising children with creative qualities such as being active, curious and questioning, frequently asking "why" questions, being able to suggest different solutions to the problems they encounter, and being able to foresee the future is important today. has gained importance.
When we look at the developmental characteristics of children…
0-2 Years Old
- The child begins to explore his/her surroundings with his/her senses and is very curious about his/her surroundings.
- As a child begins to learn language, their imaginations gain new meaning. Imaginary games and characters enrich their world.
2-4 Years Old
- As their sense of independence develops, their self-confidence increases. They enjoy exploring their environment in their own unique ways.
- His curiosity about the environment continues. He wants to learn everything and asks questions frequently.
- He demonstrates his creativity by trying to produce something with any material that comes to hand.
- He tells unreal stories that are the product of his intelligence, creativity and imagination.
- He/she begins to learn planning skills. He/she enjoys planning games and tasks he/she already knows.
4-6 Years Old
- He is as creative as an artist.
- He creates stories, paints pictures, and dramatizes ways of life.
- He begins to create his own personality with his own talents.
- In imitation-based games, the child learns by trying out adult roles.
- Can create an original work of music.
- It is possible to create different unique shapes from ceramic paste.
- Can create an original painting using a variety of materials.
- It can create a unique composition from geometric shapes.
What are the activities that will improve creativity?
The most important feature of these activities, which can be provided with specific materials, is that they are not judged as right or wrong. This way, children can work and create freely without worrying about making mistakes. Another important point here is to provide children with age-appropriate materials. So, what are these materials?
A variety of materials can be used, including watercolors and finger paints, collages, play dough, sewing and repair tools, etc. Everything we use in our daily lives can be considered a material.
Tips for Parents to Develop Creativity:
- You can teach your child that there may be more than one way to solve a problem.
- Set an example for them, do not use negative statements like "Oh, I can never draw a good picture" when painting with your child or playing with play dough.
- Choose toys and materials that will foster their creativity. You can help them create creative products by saving materials they no longer need and encouraging them to use them later.
- Children's creativity develops rapidly when they spend time with their peers. You can foster this talent by sending them to preschool early.
- Give small responsibilities regarding household chores
- Visit art galleries and exhibitions together. Attend concerts and small study groups with your child whenever possible.
- Introduce your child to different cultures. Participate with your child in environments where people from different cultures can meet.
- Don't use the TV or iPad unless absolutely necessary. Instead of keeping your child busy with them, play games with them.
English