If you’re a parent, guardian, or just someone with special young people in your life, there’s no doubt you’re thinking about the future. You want your children to grow up to become adults who know success and stability. But in today’s ever-changing world, how do we identify their paths to success?
There’s a lot we don’t know about the future, but one thing is certain: creative people are successful people. Creativity is consistently ranked as one of the most important workplace skills. Forbes reports that a whopping 77% of CEOs are looking for workers who demonstrate creativity and innovation in their work. And while there are many ways to hone creative skills, creativity is a quality that can be nurtured – even in children as young as preschool!
That’s right, creative play isn’t necessarily just about leisure time; it’s skill-building that will set your child up for success.
Consider trying these activities to nurture creativity for your preschooler:
- Read a story together, then ask your child to act out the roles with movements and sounds.
- Practice rhythm and counting by clapping/tapping/marching to the beat of your favorite songs.
- Go on a nature walk. Ask your child about the shapes they see along the way. Gather natural materials to use in an art project.
- Use household items in a new way. Go ahead, let your pots and pans be used as a drum kit! Let those bedsheets become a red carpet look! Let your child explore the full possibilities of everyday items.
- Start an Early Learning team! Destination Imagination offers an Early Learning Challenge, specifically designed for our youngest participants, that allows them to explore creativity and teamwork.
Some of these ideas are activities your child can do solo, but sometimes they might want you to join in the fun! If you’re playing along as an adult, be sure to use descriptive praise for what your child creates. (e.g., “I like how you used those colors” or “Your ideas are very interesting!”) Ultimately, the goal is to help your child see that there’s more than one way to do something and that exploring those options is a good thing.
No matter which activity you try, giving your child the time, space, or materials to explore their creativity is time well spent.
Just learning about Destination Imagination and want to know more? Sign up for one of our free information sessions to chat with our team members and see how our creative problem-solving program can help your young learners. There are only a few info sessions left this year, so be sure to act fast! Save your spot here.
