Why Creativity Matters
Process over product
Central to this resource is the understanding that creativity is a process rather than a product. As Vygotsky argued, the value of creativity in early childhood lies in the act of creating and exercising the imagination rather than the final result. This website advocates for a process learning approach where children are encouraged to engage in divergent thinking. This means generating multiple solutions to a single problem rather than convergent thinking, which seeks only one correct answer.
Navigating the Curriculum
While creativity is naturally associated with the visual and performing arts, it is equally vital in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Knaus and Roberts (2017) highlight that STEM education in the early years is built upon children’s natural curiosity and their inclination to explore and question. Through inquiry-based learning, children develop essential skills such as hypothesising and analysing. This website demonstrates how an integrated curriculum can connect these disciplines, allowing children to make meaningful connections between their play and the wider world.
The Role of the Educator
The educator’s role is to act as a facilitator and co-constructor of knowledge. This involves providing open-ended resources or provocations that stimulate inquiry. It also requires the use of intentional teaching strategies such as asking open-ended questions to extend children’s thinking. By creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where risk-taking is encouraged, educators can nurture the dispositions of curiosity and confidence in every child. All experiences in this resource are aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0, specifically supporting Outcome 4 regarding confident learners and Outcome 5 regarding effective communication.
Explore the Creative Curriculum
A Practical Toolkit
This resource is designed to be a practical toolkit, breaking down how to facilitate creativity across every key area of the early years curriculum. Each section provides a clear framework based on established educational theories, details practical resources, and offers a wealth of age appropriate learning experiences designed for birth through eight years.
Art
Fostering expression and sensory exploration through process-based creation.
Drama & Puppetry
Building empathy, narrative skills, and emotional intelligence through imaginative play.
Movement & Music
Developing pattern recognition, physical literacy, and self-regulation.
Language & Literacy
Nurturing creative thinking through storytelling, poetry, and rich descriptive language.
Science
Sparking curiosity, hypothesizing, and discovery through hands-on experimentation.
Engineering
Promoting problem solving, spatial reasoning, and persistence through design and construction.
Technologies
Using digital tools as a medium for creation, not just consumption.
Mathematics
Uncovering the creative side of numeracy, patterns, and problem solving.
Humanities
Developing perspective taking and cultural understanding through imaginative scenarios.
Integrated Curriculum
Synthesizing skills by applying STEM, STEAM, and STREAM principles to real world projects.
Ready to Inspire Wonder?
As educators, our most meaningful work is to facilitate wonder, creating safe, intentional spaces where curiosity thrives and every child’s creative voice is seen, heard, and valued.
Select a curriculum area from the navigation menu to begin your journey into facilitating creativity.