Creative Development Activities For Preschoolers
More and more parents are realizing that education begins even before their children start school and can be reinforced by certain activities you carry out at home. Most of the activities don’t need any more tools than you already have lying around your home and you could help to develop their creative skills through play. As they play, watch them develop their own style. Before school you are your child’s main teacher, nurse, provider and everything in-between so they feel comfortable with you and like to spend time with you. Teaching your children creative development activities and guiding them is a great way to bond and prepare them for school. Here are some ideas for you to try out with your preschooler.
Developing skills and understanding
So far your child would have learned to take the lead in most situations. When they’re hungry or thirsty they ask, impose and get things done. There are however other things that you will have had to take control of such as when they need to go to bed, shower and getting them prepared for school. There are some things they can take control of and others that they can’t.
It’s always nice to let your child lead and letting them get more involved. Some times even let them guide you on what should be done but also incorporate the idea that one way does not always mean the only way. Examples include drawing a person; where you can draw in different ways but still achieve the same result. Be sure to let your child know that they don’t have to conform or copy others, just to be themselves with their creative flair.
To stimulate their imagination and confidence to do things differently make sure that they have lots of books, songs on CD’s or iPad, playdough, blocks and other similar toys and props that can be used in different ways. Having a lot of materials can help develop their sense of touch too. Most importantly teach your child to complete what they are doing by encouraging them. When they are done be sure to praise them no matter what they come up with. It’s about creativity so there are no right or wrong answers.
Use what you have
You don’t have to have a lot of money to buy new things for them to play with. A pan and wooden spoon serve as a great drum and you can make your own salt dough for sensory and artistic play. An empty box could be a shop, a car, a house or anything that you child wishes. Teach them to be resourceful by using household items and get them to personalize their creation by painting or drawing on it.
Dressing up
Although we want to encourage our children to be their own person it’s also good to provide them with props for role play. They can be a police man, a teacher, a nurse or anything their imagination defines. You don’t have to purchase ready-made outfits unless you want to. You can make your own and provide your child with clothes from charity stores costing little or nothing.
Tell us more on other creative development activities you practice with your preschool children. Remember to search from other homeschool Facebook groups to see what parents are talking about on the subject.