Developing and Encouraging Your Child's Creativity

Creativity...builds self-esteem, self-understanding and self-acceptance
Creativity...develops and strengthens problem-solving skills because of the ability to think outside the box
Creativity...relieves stress and tension
Creativity...is an outlet for feelings
Creativity...develops aesthetic appreciation

Creativity is natural and necessary for children, but it must be nurtured and stimulated, to develop important life skills. Creativity is the ability to form original ideas through exploration and discovery. It should not be confused with talent, intelligence or skill. It is not about doing something better than someone else. It is about thinking, imagining, inventing, exploring and discovering. Fostering Creativity by MaryAnn Kohl

Benefits of Play

A couple of years ago, I had a program at the library called "Ooey Gooey" which was an open-ended art class for preschoolers. We used all different non-toxic, mostly edible products to paint- so whipped cream, food coloring, pudding, etc. I thought the kids would absolutely love getting their hands into the goop and painting. I was very surprised to see how many children were uncomfortable with having their hands dirty. They didn't want to get dirty and they wanted to wash their hands frequently. So, I starting researching this and reading about a shift in our culture regarding play.

Ideas

I often get asked where I get my ideas. As far as the themes of storytimes, 99.9% of the time, the idea comes from a book! As I catalog new books, I keep a list of books that I think would be great to read to my LLFs. (Just remember, there are lots of great books that just don't work for groups, but would be great for you to read to your child. The pictures could be too small, the story too long, or the topic too difficult for me to use, but may be a great book for a one-on-one read at home.) From the list, I choose a book and build a program around that book, really. The other .1% I find a great activity or song that I really want to share and I build a program around that idea.

As far as activities, crafts, songs, etc., I use tons of different resources- too  many to mention. But I constantly search new ideas and keep files on things I find to use down the road. I subscribe to many different listservs, read books, search websites, go to workshops and conferences, share with other librarians, etc. It's a constant process- especially since I like to do new things each session!

This is one of the reasons I started this blog. To share with my BLFs the ideas that I use in my programs and the resources I use. So, you can do them yourself at home and reinforce the concepts that were introduced in storytime. Ask me and I will be happy to share!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Hey, BLFs! Try this easy and inexpensive idea at home. Bring the stars inside! I did this for a Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star program I did. Take a star punch and punch stars in black construction paper and tape it to one side of a box. Cut a circle out of the opposite side of the box that will be large enough for a flashlight to fit in. Turn off the lights and project your stars on the walls and ceiling! It's a lot of fun!

I've also made my own constellations of different shapes. In the program, I made many of these so my LLFs could use them and trade with one another to try different constellations! Excellent activity to use when reading stories about space at home. What do you think?

Snow Painting (in the rain!)

Well, one brave family came to our Snow Painting Program last Friday. Luckily, the rain stopped just in time!   I was happy they came. They did a great job! They had fun making a rainbow and much more.

I will try again next year! It's an easy, inexpensive, creative idea for families. Try it sometime at home- just need food coloring and water!

Boxes!

I love boxes. They are the best toy since silly putty or maybe Mr. Potato Head...

Your imagination is your only limit when you have a box! I recently did a 'It's Not a Box' theme for storytime. I believe in pretend play (no pun intended!).

For this storytime, I made a bunch of different things out of boxes- cool Nike tennis shoes out of matching Kleenex boxes, a doghouse, a stove and refrigerator, a carwash, a barn, a sword and shield...

Cathy G., a library assistant here, rocked these boxes!!!

The Six Skills of Early Literacy-Day by Day

Letter Knowledge
This is understanding that each letter has its own name and sound. Sing alphabet songs! I know you know your ABCs, but next time won't you sing another song with me? Dr. Jean has some wonderful alphabet and letter sound songs. Sounds Like Fun by Discovery Toys (look up video at youtube) and Jack Hartmann has some fun ones too. (My colleague, Michelle R., a creative educator always looking for fresh ideas, shared these with me a number of years ago and I love them. So, a shout out to her!)

BLFs- put the magnetic letters on the fridge. Use them in the car with a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Point out the first letter in your child's name. "That sign starts with an 'S' just like Sam!"

Of course, use books! There are some wonderful alphabet books available. I just ordered an activity book and I thought it was a great idea that you could easily make at home. There were "roads" in the shape of letters and your little one drives on the road with a toy car in the shape of the letter! Fun! Perfect for boys who tend to be "kinesthetic learners" and learn best by moving their bodies. Melissa & Doug have a great ABC puzzle that announces the letter when the piece is placed in the puzzle.

Now, I know my ABCs!