TASK

Complete the table in discussion with your group and note factors that you think inhibit or promote creativity.

5 minutes

OVERVIEW OF THIS WORKSHOP

The research project

The adult’s role in developing the children’s creativity

The importance of resources

How to provide creative and imaginative experiences for children.

RESEARCH PROJECT

FACTORS WHICH AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVITY IN CHILDREN

There really are just two factors! They are:

How the adult perceives her/his role in promoting creativity in childrenHow the resources are presented to children (environment)

But…. it can be tricky changing our thinking and our practices regarding both of these factors! Let’s look at the research project regarding the two main factors in promoting creativity

KEY FINDINGS: USING RESOURCES IN UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS

Boy 2 picks up the Wacky Wiggler cog structure and says, ‘It’s a lollipop!’ He then pretends to lick it as he looks at the other boys. He then states it’s actually a lollipop spaceship.

Girl 2 walks across the floor standing only on the wooden blocks; using them as stepping stones.

Boy and girl look at the Meccano box. They open and close it but do not use the car. They just keep opening the box and playing with the parts. They add pin pictures in to it saying here’s your pizza. The girl passes a piece of pizza and the boy puts it in his Meccano box. She shouts who wants a pizza and he says “I do”.

KEY FINDINGS: WAYS OF UNDERSTANDING CREATIVITY

Children recorded and talk about creations.

Children ‘told stories’ to camera.

KEY FINDINGS: LITERATURE LINKSCHILDREN'S CREATIVE PROCESS AND SIGNIFICANT FACTORS INFLUENCING ADULT AND CHILDREN'S CREATIVITY

1. The 5 Ps (planning, persistence, purposeful behaviour, personal standards, pretend play)

TASK FLOOR SCULPTURES The video captures children creating a floor

sculpture using up cycled resources. As you watch this use the table in the introductory task to help you consider precisely how creativity is being developed.

After the video share your ideas with your group.

TASK

On your own, take three minutes to consider one thing you could change tomorrow to promote creativity in your children

Share your ideas with others in your group on the practical means of achieving this change

EXPLORING CREATIVITY

Open your bag and create.

Children can be given a small bag to take home to collect a range of resources (these might be gathered from the outside environment and/or from the home.)