Unit 48 Promote creativity and creative learning in young children Outcome1.1 Analyse the differences between creative learning and creativity. Creative learning is about imaginative thinking and problem solving, and to see how children are involved in their own learning and ability to make choices and decisions. This can be achieved through providing a creative environment through play and pairs them for their creative efforts. Creativity is about play and exploration, by allowing children to explore and express themselves through different ways like music, dancing, drawing, painting, and making things. Outcome 1.2 Explain current theoretical approaches to creativity and creative learning in early childhood.
The constructivist approach is the theory that children construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences (Jonassen, n.d). This approach, also known as “active learning” or “play based learning” draws on how children learn across the different developmental domains (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett, Farmer, 2008, p. 245). The constructivist approach promotes children to formulate their own ideas, draw conclusions and convey their knowledge in a collaborative learning environment (Arthur et al., 2008). Developing a play-based curriculum in the classroom enables children to draw on aspects from the wider community, engage actively with people, objects and representations and share the experiences they have with their family (Commonwealth of Australia 2009, p. 6). My personal philosophy is to provide rich experiences through the use of fun curriculum for all students.
It is a process of development and describes the inventiveness of ordinary people rather than extraordinary contributors. Children are being creative when they use materials in new ways or merge new materials; they are creative when they make discoveries that are new to them. When children are being creative they go further than the information given to create something new and original for them. For young children, the process of creativity – which includes curiosity, exploration, play and creativity – is as important as any product they may create. Gopnik, Meltzoff and Kuhl (2001) describe how children are born with a strong desire to explore the world around them and from this innate curiosity creativity develops.
This essay will discuss what imaginary play is, the importance of imaginative play, what activities and experiences can enhance imaginative development, how adults can assist in developing a child’s imagination, what resources can help support and encourage a child’s imagination and what learning and development can occur when children engage in play that will help them develop their imaginations. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers.
It’s about bringing imagination to life. Creativity consists of traditional creative arts and the development of imagination and imaginative play, such as role play and small world play. It’s about risk taking and making connections, allowing children to explore and express themselves through a variety of media or materials including, dance, music, making things, drawing, painting and make believe and to make new things emerge as a result. Being creative is strongly linked to play and can occur through a child being absorbed in their own actions and ideas. Children can explore their emotions and it is only partly about producing an end product and is more about children enjoying the process and learning from it.
It is critical to link his theory to practice as it encourages/allows children to communicate with other children using their social skills which they have developed and allows children to build self-confidence. This theory shows us that the child’s social and emotional development/skills will increase as they learn from others when interacting. (Meggitt et al, 2012) As we use the theories above to plan activities/lessons we “Ensure that every child, young person, adult or learner is given equal of opportunity to access education and care by meeting their specific needs.” (Meggitt et al, 2012,
P1 Give reasons why play is important for children and young people “‘We think that a purpose of the child is to grow up because it does grow up. But its purpose is to play, to enjoy itself, to be a child.’ Herzen A. cited in Young Children Learning, David, T.” (Page 25, 40231D, CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development) Play holds a great importance in a child’s life. Through play a child learns lots of different things from a very early age. Every time they play they learn something new in life, be it educational or social while having fun. They learn to explore and take risks in their life.
It includes pretending with objects, actions and situations. As children grow, their imaginations and their play become increasingly complex. Children use their developing language to move from thinking in the concrete to thinking in the abstract. They make up stories and scenarios (Crowther, 2011; Slade & Wolf, 1994). Johann Pestalozzi (1746-1827) said that it is important that children have that “natural education” where children learn about the world through exploration, self-directed curiosity and play (Degotardi, 2012).
The EYFS supports learning in 6 areas the first is Personal, Social and Emotional Development where they concentrate on helping develop their self confidence, self-esteem, behaviour, self care, attitudes and making relationships. The next stage is Communication, Language and Literacy; this supports a child's learning by helping develop a child’s communication, thinking, reading, writing and linking sounds to letters. Another is Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, this helps children’s learning because numbers, counting and calculating is another term for numeracy. There is also Knowledge and Understanding of the world which covers exploration, investigation, communities, Time, places, designing and making skills, this supports learning in science. Physical development is another framework where it teachers movement, space, Health and bodily awareness, using equipment and materials.
The goals of art for preschoolers is to: * Express their thinking, knowledge and ideas. * Explore, try out and create with new and different kinds of media. * Experiment with colours, lines, forms, shapes, textures and designs. * Express Parents you have many opportunities to help children develop mentally, socially and emotionally. Art promotes creativity, builds self-confidence, and teaches task analysis and participation in groups as well as individuals.