A parent's guide to creative development

The Foundation Stage curriculum, which most children in England are following until they finish the reception year, has a section just about creative development. It is seen as an essential part of a child's experience in their early years education, for many reasons. First, it helps children to express themselves in a variety of ways, for example through paint, music and dough modelling. It also allows children to grow in confidence as they set their own challenges and learn how to do things for themselves.

What type of activities might my child be doing?

Your child should get the opportunity to join in a wide range of activities that encourage exploration and self-expression. This may mean using malleable materials such as clay and dough as well as more rigid modelling materials such as boxes, card and paper. You will also 'hear' your child being creative as she sings out tunes and songs and rhymes that have been done earlier in the day. As well as music, dance and modelling, your child is likely to be joining in imaginative play. This is the forerunner of 'drama', although in a child's early years, they will not be learning lines, but just enjoying taking on different roles and even putting on different voices.