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Many people assume that creativity is an inborn talent that their children either do or do not have: just as all children are not equally intelligent, all children are not equally creative. But actually, creativity is more skill than inborn talent, and it is a skill teachers and parents can help their 'little ones' to develop.
Because it is a key to success in nearly everything we do, creativity is a key component of health and happiness and a core skill to practice with children. Creativity is not limited to artistic and musical expression—it is also essential for science, numeracy, and even social and emotional intelligence. Creative people are more flexible and better problem solvers, which makes them more able to adapt to technological advances and deal with change—as well as take advantage of new opportunities.
Children need a lot of time for unstructured, child-directed, imaginative play –unencumbered by adult direction, and play that doesn't depend on a lot of commercial resources. The emphasis is on process rather than product. One way you can do this is by asking questions about the process – Did you have fun? Are you finished? What did you like about that activity? Most importantly perhaps, when children feel good while they are creating, art helps boost self-confidence. Children who feel able to experiment and to make mistakes, feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond the craft room.
The Ultimate Art-Supply List
- modelling clay
- chalk
- washable paint
- paintbrushes
- cotton swabs
- sponges
- stamps and inkpads
- washable markers
- crayons
- colored pencils
- plain and colored paper
- tissue paper
- scissors
- glue
- craft foam
- ice-pop sticks
- chenille stems
- pom-poms
- feathers
- felt
- fabric
- colored tape
- buttons
- cotton balls
- sequins and glitter
- ribbon, yarn, string
- beads
- packing peanuts
- drinking straws
- egg cartons
- cardboard tubes
- cupcake liners
- paper plates
- clothespins
- plastic cutlery
- magazines, newspapers, catalogs
- wallpaper samples
- wax paper
- aluminum foil
