Key Takeaways
- All children are creative; nurture rather than create creativity
- Process art (child-directed, open-ended) is preferred over product art
- Avoid "What is it?" - instead say "Tell me about your picture"
- Provide open-ended materials and time for exploration
- Dramatic play supports multiple areas of development
Last updated: January 2026
Creative Development
Functional Area 7 focuses on providing opportunities that stimulate children's creativity and self-expression.
What is Creativity?
Creativity is the ability to:
- Express ideas in original ways
- Think flexibly and imaginatively
- Solve problems creatively
- Make unique connections
Important: All children are creative. Our job is to nurture creativity, not create it.
Forms of Creative Expression
| Form | Description | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Arts | Creating images and objects | Painting, drawing, sculpting |
| Music | Sound and rhythm | Singing, playing instruments, movement |
| Dramatic Play | Pretending and role-play | Dress-up, puppets, pretend scenarios |
| Creative Movement | Expressing through body | Dancing, creative movement activities |
| Storytelling | Narrative creation | Making up stories, puppet shows |
Process vs. Product Art
| Process-Focused Art | Product-Focused Art |
|---|---|
| Child-directed | Teacher-directed |
| Open-ended materials | Step-by-step instructions |
| No "right" way | Model to copy |
| Emphasizes exploration | Emphasizes finished product |
| Every result is unique | All results look similar |
| PREFERRED for young children | Can limit creativity |
Examples:
- Process: "Here's paint and paper. What would you like to create?"
- Product: "Today we're all making handprint turkeys for Thanksgiving."
Supporting Creative Development
Create an Environment That:
- Provides open-ended materials
- Allows time for exploration
- Values all children's creations
- Displays children's work respectfully
The Teacher's Role:
- Provide materials and time
- Ask open-ended questions about work
- Avoid "What is it?" (Try "Tell me about your picture")
- Resist the urge to "improve" children's work
- Model creativity yourself
Art Materials by Age
Infants:
- Safe sensory materials
- Large crayons, finger paint
- Exploration, not products
Toddlers:
- Playdough
- Large crayons and markers
- Finger paint
- Large paper
- Simple instruments
Preschoolers:
- Scissors and glue
- Variety of art materials
- Found materials for collage
- Easels and paint
- Musical instruments
Music and Movement
Music Activities:
- Singing songs (traditional and made-up)
- Playing rhythm instruments
- Listening to various types of music
- Moving to music
Movement Activities:
- Creative movement (move like animals)
- Dancing with scarves or streamers
- Freeze dance
- Action songs ("Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Dramatic Play
Dramatic play supports:
- Language development
- Social skills
- Problem-solving
- Emotional expression
- Understanding roles and relationships
Support dramatic play by:
- Providing props and dress-up clothes
- Creating themed dramatic play areas
- Joining play when invited (following the child's lead)
- Extending themes based on children's interests
Test Your Knowledge
What is the BEST way to respond when a child shows you their artwork?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following describes process-focused art?
A
B
C
D