Creativity is the process of self-expression.

We all need the ability to express ourselves. Children need plenty of opportunities for creative play and creative thinking. At Little Preschool on Prairie we foster creative expression by giving children time, space and materials to be creative with. Children need time to explore and pursue their own ideas through art and music as well as pretend play and storytelling.

Here at Little Preschool on Prairie we feel kids need a lot of time for unstructured, child-directed, imaginative play. Children need to freedom to explore the materials set out in a manner of their choosing. We strive to foster a “creative atmosphere”, one of encouragement and acceptance of differences. The focusing on the process of creative activities rather than the product of the activity

Pretend Play

Here at Little Preschool on Prairie we believe every child should have the opportunity and encouragement to try on a variety of roles through pretend play. Pretend play or make-believe play causes creativity to grow. Pretending in itself is creative. In imaginative play a child may make a stick a magic wand or the same stick can be a fishing pole. A block can be many things. The sky is the limit! In imagination creativity soars. Cognitive skills are developed in pretend play. Pretend play that involves more than one child brings many new skills to practice. Children must plan and share ideas. They must figure out who will take what role, and how they will act. They may add a story or plot to the play. Pretend play is child led and developmentally appropriate for preschoolers.

In pretend play…

• Children learn about themselves and their world.
• Children learn about what they like and don’t like.
• Children express their feelings and may even try on feelings or roles.
• Children work out things happening in their own lives.
• Children develop complex social and higher order thinking skills.
• Children cultivate social and emotional intelligence
• Children blend skills and knowledge together.

The Arts and Science (STEAM)

Art and science both encourage creativity. Many local schools have adopted S.T.E.A.M(Science Technology Engineering Art Math) Curriculum. Little Preschool on Prairie incorporates S.T.E.A.M into our creative activities. We observe the results of the sciences combined with art. Together they encourage creativity and curiosity. Exploring science with children is mixing colors, pouring, mixing substances. We help children answer the question “I wonder what would happen if….?” When we add a variety of mediums, colors and textures, containers and implements to the mix children explore, create and discover.

Creative Storytelling and Literacy

“Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read. – Mem Fox

There are really, really good stories and some that are not so good. A really, really good story will get read over and over again. A really, really good story will cause a child to become more imaginative, more creative, and more curious. At Little Preschool on Prairie children love books. Stories are read. Stories are retold. Stories are valued. Children naturally develop a love of stories. When children value literature they become readers later on. In order for a child to learn to read they must have had a lot of exposure to books. They must have had adults help them to love stories. They must be able to handle books, to value books and stories. Having books available to children will build this love and respect for books.