When people think of creativity, they often picture paintbrushes, crayons, or a child singing their heart out on stage. And yes, music, art, and drama are incredible ways to spark imagination. But creativity isn’t just about the arts. It’s also about solving problems, exploring new ideas, and finding joy in thinking outside the box.
In our preschool in Columbia, MD, we see creativity as a skill that shapes every part of a child’s life. It’s what helps them figure out how to build a taller block tower, invent a new game on the playground, or come up with a new way to comfort a friend. Creativity also gives children a healthy outlet to express big feelings and explore new perspectives.
At Celebree School of Columbia-South, we nurture creativity every single day. Here are five ways we make it happen:
- Encouraging Open-Ended Play
Children thrive when they can explore without a set of rigid instructions. That’s why we provide open-ended materials like blocks, dress-up clothes, art supplies, and sensory bins. These tools don’t have one “right” way to use them, which means children are free to experiment and invent.
Open-ended play gives them the space to follow their curiosity, make discoveries, and see where their imagination takes them.
- Incorporating the Arts Everywhere
While creativity extends beyond the arts, there’s no denying how powerful artistic expression can be. Our preschoolers explore painting, music, dance, and storytelling as part of their everyday learning.
Whether they’re creating a mural together or making up a song during circle time, these experiences boost confidence and teach children that their ideas have value.
- Asking “What If?” Questions
One of the easiest ways to inspire creativity is by sparking curiosity. Our teachers often pose “what if?” questions during activities to encourage deeper thinking.
What if this bridge were taller? What if we mixed these two colors? What if we told the story from the dragon’s point of view? These prompts invite children to imagine possibilities they hadn’t considered before.
- Making Room for Mistakes
Creativity flourishes when children feel safe to try, fail, and try again. We normalize mistakes as part of the learning process. If a child’s block tower falls or their clay sculpture doesn’t hold its shape, we talk about what happened, brainstorm new approaches, and celebrate the effort.
This mindset not only supports creativity, but it also builds resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Blending Creativity Into Everyday Learning
Math, science, and literacy might not seem like obvious places for creativity, but we weave it in constantly. Science lessons might involve designing new habitats for imaginary animals. Math games might challenge children to create patterns using nature items they collect outside. Storytime might turn into acting out the ending in a totally new way.
By blending creativity into all subjects, we help children see that imagination is a valuable tool in any situation.
A Creative Start for a Bright Future
At our preschool, creativity isn’t a once-in-a-while activity. It’s part of everything we do. We know that children who can think creatively are better problem-solvers, more confident, and more adaptable as they grow.
When your child spends their days in an environment where ideas are celebrated, mistakes are welcomed, and exploration is encouraged, they’re building skills that will serve them for life.
At Celebree School of Columbia-South, we’re proud to give them that start.
