Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression in Young Children

Encouraging creativity and self-expression in young children is a key developmental skill to have at an early age. There are simple ways to encourage these indoor and outdoor behaviors, using specific rooms and tools to guide them. Having rooms specifically to play music, having a drawing/playroom space with activity books and building blocks, and so much more. The benefits of letting your children explore creativity and self-expression are quite clear. Their mental and personal growth will shine day to day the more they’re willing to express themselves. Here are 4 methods to help encourage creativity and self-expression in young children.

1. Drawing/Play Room

Providing space and tools can get your children to be more enthusiastic about being creative. Having items such as whiteboards, coloring utensils, building blocks, and anything that gets their creative juices flowing is a must-have in a playroom! Asking about their creations or asking them what they plan on doing with certain items can get their thought process going as well. Encourage their behavior and thought processes. These activities may even occupy them for hours on end when the right station is set up. Give it a try and see how your children react to new activities and playroom items!

2. Game Room with Creative Open World Games

Minecraft is a great example of this. The game itself is meant to be creative, it is open-world, with no real direction for what to do in the game. You are put in a random field and have to figure out what to do next. Do you build a house and hideout for the night? Do you try to get some food to survive? Maybe you want to make a boat and go for a ride. The choice is solely up to you in Minecraft and the possibilities are endless. Although Minecraft is a great game for kids, there are many other educational games that can help with creative processes as well. Check out this blog here to learn more about educational games for young students.

3. Music & Dance Room

Having your child tell you their favourite song, turning on the radio and playing it for them, and watching them bob their head or dance sporadically may be the best feeling for a parent to witness. Music brings out a lot of things in a child, excitement, happiness, willingness to let loose, and most importantly, creativity and self-expression. Having that time to play instruments with your kids, or listen to songs on the radio is a real time to see themselves be themselves.

4. Exploration Outside

Ever had your children draw chalk patterns on your driveway? Give it a try! It’s easy to wash and extremely fun for the children. Taking children on a walk and exploring different plants, trees, animals, lakes, rivers, and anything under the sun. There is always something to think about when walking and something to delve into when bringing your children out on an exploration.

Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the day school where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers private tutoring here!