Creative development is one of the six areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It is designed to help children learn how to express themselves and communicate in different ways.
What does creative development mean?
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Being creative - responding to experiences - expressing and communicating ideas
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Exploring media and materials
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Creating music and dance
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Developing imagination and imaginative play
The early years foundation stage says:
"Children's creativity must be extended by the provision of support for their curiosity, exploration and play. They must be provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings, for example through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role play activities, mathematics and design and technology.
Creativity is about taking risks and making connections and is strongly linked to play. It emerges as children become absorbed in action and explorations of their own ideas and the way they represent their experiences is unique."
What does this mean if your child has a sight problem?
This is a key area for your child, but one where they may be slower to develop imaginative play. This might be because your child has not had the same experiences as sighted friends, such as watching the activities of adults (eg Dad shaving or washing up) which then become incorporated into their play.
Your child may need to develop understanding of events through rehearsal and practice before participating fully in imaginative role play. This includes developing a sense of other people's point of view. They may also find some textures and materials unacceptable, eg they may not like having sticky fingers.
How you can help your child develop their creativity
Ensure your child feels secure enough to 'have a go', to learn new things and be adventurous.
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Present a wide range of experiences and activities that your child can respond to by using many of their senses, such as smelling and rolling in new mown grass. Visit using touch and movement to help your child learn for useful ideas to help your child's development.
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Allow sufficient time for your child to explore and develop new ideas without stepping in too soon with your own ideas.
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Value what your child can do and the ideas they produce, even if it looks less than perfect!
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Your child will need a variety of sensory experiences to encourage mark making, but find alternatives if your child dislikes some textures - see: learning and playing by looking, listening, tasting and feeling for ideas.
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Talk about colour and describe it for your child, even if they cannot see it.
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When music making, give time for your child to familiarise themselves with the instruments and the sounds they make and find words to describe the sounds, such as high, low, loud, quiet.
If you would like more help, get in touch with your local authority service for visual impairment for more advice. You can get their contact details from RNIB's Helpline on 0845 766 9999.