The safety and well being of the kids at our day care is our primary responsibility as providers. Although we may often feel as though we are merely umpiring bedlam we are not simply caretakers but facilitators, charged with the important task of developing every aspect of these growing individuals. Encouraging creativity and imagination is a vital aspect of this facilitation role. Children are guaranteed a richer and more complete life if we have opened the door to multiple creative outlets. Here are some pointers on opening those doors.
Expose kids to the arts, culture and beauty whenever possible will help them to grow to appreciate and recognize same. When possible arrange brief visits to the art gallery, museum or craft fair so that kids get an overview of different forms of art. Try to arrange trips to see plays or musical performances, simply play different types of music at the day care and get the kids moving and dancing. Get out on nature walks to show the kids first hand the natural beauty surrounding them, introduce sand and water for experimental play and discover the multitude of creative activities available in the kitchen. Read and encourage reading. Stories at story time can become rambling yarns that become plays that take on a life of their own. Anything goes.
A love of music is naturally inbuilt into kids. Improvising with whatever is available get the musical instruments out and let the orchestra loose. Begin having theatrical, singing workshops that breathe life and vibrancy into songs. Remember to praise all artistic attempts no matter how off the wall it appears to you personally.
Creative play tends towards the messy end of the scale!.let it be so. Order is not a concept that sits well with creative spirits so, difficult though it may be to see your impeccable playroom descend into chaos, try to rise above it. You can attempt to minimize some of the damage by using aprons, laying newspaper or spreading a tarp.Let them off with their creative processes and don’t try to direct their efforts. Every work of art is personal and meaningful and should be the direct result of freedom of expression, even for toddlers. Ask questions, encourage discussion, help with a particular process should they ask and never criticize. Many and wondrous are the benefits of imaginative and creative play. Experimentation with verbal skills is likely as children feel less threatened in imaginary situations. Active problem solving and expression of fears or concerns are also encouraged via role play. A child will grow in confidence as his heretofore untapped talents are released through creative endeavors. Welcome to the magical land of the imagination where boredom is no more!
In between minding her own child and running her daycare business Fiona Lohrenz manages to maintain her childcare website. She has also produced a ‘Start a ChildCare Business’ DVD guide: Start A Day Care Business DVD You can find her at her website: ChildCareOnly.com
- Fiona Lohrenz
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