Creativity in the Early Years

Sometime I hear practitioners saying ‘I’m no good at art’, ‘we only do small art activities’. Whether you have lots of experience and enjoy ‘the arts’ or you are working outside your comfort zone it is important for children that we include learning through the arts in our curriculum. Come together as a whole team and discuss how you will incorporate the arts, you will find plenty of ideas to stimulate your sessions. By talking together you will see who enjoys what elements and those who are a little bit anxious about being creative can learn from others while figuring out their own likes and strengths in the art world. One team member may be a natural storyteller while another may like painting and drawing.

Why be creative in the Early Years?

In your early years setting it may be the first time that a child is getting to experience play through the arts. Messy activities like painting or playdough may not have been encouraged at home. For children being creative is an opportunity to explore and share their feelings and ideas through a variety of forms. Creativity in the Early Years is closely linked with all aspects of their learning. Therefore, being creative is weaved through Aistear’s themes and learning goals. Creativity in the Early Years should be developed in children be supporting the process and enjoyment taking place rather than finished product. This will further develop the children’s confidence and will help build their self-esteem.

So, how can we incorporate learning through the arts?

The answer is you are already doing it.

• Painting and Drawing
• Clay/Playdough/Sculpture
• Storytelling and puppets
• Light and images
• Drama
• Music and movement

We would love to share some of your art focused activities, please send them into the office.