When children are encouraged
to develop their problem-solving and
critical thinking skills, the process
promotes the desire to be innovative
and find new ways of doing things
to turn their dreams into a reality,
explains Anastassia. “When children
explore art ideas, they have to test
different possibilities and work
through challenges. They learn that
a problem may have more than one
answer and, thus, have to make their
own judgements. Instead of following
specific rules or directions, they learn
how to properly handle art materials
in a variety of ways and then are given
the freedom to apply whatever means
they think are best to express their
ideas,” she says.
The ability to express themselves
freely and without judgement instils
confidence in young children, says
Aarti Hemnani, general manager
of theatre and performing arts
school, Faust Hong Kong. She
believes that young people who do
drama throughout their pre-teen
and teenage years remain open and
creative. Instead of withdrawing and
becoming introverted as they mature,
they continue to grow creatively and
express themselves with confidence.
Creative play is vital to everyone’s
emotional well-being, explains Julie.
She believes that creative play is
healing for both children and adults,
which is why it is used in counselling
and therapy. “Childhood trauma does
not necessarily have adverse effects on
the adult later on and research shows –
amazingly – that it is the ability of the
adult to recall the joy of imaginative
play experiences that strengthens their
ability to cope. Those adults who were
not given the opportunity to play in
early childhood struggle with life’s
problems to a much greater extent,”
she explains.
The list of benefits does not end
there, says Ginny. “Encouraging
creativity also helps children to
develop their maths and literacy
skills, learn basic science concepts and
develop their all-important fine motor
skills. Creativity stimulates both the
left and right side of the brain.”
However, creativity is not
about creating a “star”, says Aarti.
“
It’s about showing each child that
they can contribute effectively and
creatively and have fun as they do so,”
she explains.
Instead of following specific rules or
directions, they learn how to properly
handle art materials in a variety of ways
and then are given the freedom to apply
whatever means they think are best to
express their ideas.
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Playtimes