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June 3, 2008 ( PowerHomeBiz
) - Ireland --
The safety and
well being of the kids at our day care is our primary responsibility
as providers. We are not however merely babysitters, nor referees at
some chaotic miniature wrestling event (though often times it feels
that way) but facilitators, entrusted with the important task of
nurturing and developing the whole child. Encouraging creativity and
imagination is a vital aspect of this facilitation role. Opening the
door to various creative outlets will ensure that children will lead a
richer more complete life. Here are some pointers on opening those
doors.
(news continued below)
Expose kids to the arts, culture and beauty whenever possible will help
them to grow to
appreciate and recognize same. Organize short visits to the local art
gallery, museum, library and view various types of art. Try to arrange
trips to see plays or musical performances, simply play different types
of music at the day care and get the kids moving and dancing.
Encourage creativity in cooking activities, playing with sand or water,
arrange nature walks and point out the natural beauty that exists all around
us. Read and encourage reading. Have a vibrant lively story time involving
made up stories that ramble and grow thus leading into miniature dramatic
plays. Anything goes.
A love of music is naturally inbuilt into kids. Improvising with whatever
is available get the musical instruments out and let the orchestra loose.
Begin having theatrical, singing workshops that breathe life and vibrancy
into songs. Remember to praise all artistic attempts no matter how off the
wall it appears to you personally.
Creative play tends towards the messy end of the scale….let it be so.
Order is not a concept that sits well with creative spirits so, difficult
though it may be to see your impeccable playroom descend into chaos, try to
rise above it. You can attempt to minimize some of the damage by using
aprons, laying newspaper or spreading a tarp. Let them off with their
creative processes and don’t try to direct their efforts. Every work of art
is personal and meaningful and should be the direct result of freedom of
expression, even for toddlers. Ask questions, encourage discussion, help
with a particular process should they ask and never criticize.
The benefits of creative and imaginative play are many and wondrous.
Children feel unthreatened in imaginary situations and are more likely to
experiment with their verbal skills. Role play can encourage them to express
worries or fears and can also thus leading to active problem solving.
Creativity can help unlock hitherto untapped talents leading to increased
confidence in a child. Most importantly, boredom becomes a thing of the past
when the magical kingdom of the imagination has been unlocked.
ChildCareOnly.com provides articles and resources for child care
providers and parents. Plus, a DVD guide to 'Starting a ChildCare Business':
www.startchildcare.com The
brainchild of Fiona Lohrenz, a veritable font of child care knowledge, who
can be found at her website:
http://www.childcareonly.com
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