3 Ways to Creative Play

One of my favorite things about being a stay at home mom right now is that I am able to witness first hand, all of the amazing creative play that takes place throughout the day. While kids are intuitively curious and creative by nature, there are several ways that parents can encourage imagination and creativity. On the flip-side there are certain scenarios that do the opposite. Today I wanted to share a bit of what works over here, for anyone who needs a little inspiration!

While I am always willing to step in and "play" with my kids, I notice that often times the most creative play takes place when I play the role of facilitator. At night after the kids are in bed or in the morning before they wake, I often times do a quick brainstorm of activities, loose parts, or environments that might spark their imaginations. I rarely over plan, but instead just get some loose ideas and materials ready.

Everyday I am inspired by my children. When we take the time to slow down and watch their little minds at work, it is truly fascinating! They have so many big ideas! And often times all it takes is a little be of attention, encouragement, and help when needed to set them off and running.

I've noticed that there are three things that I'm always trying to keep in mind, that really help shape the way my children play. I don't try to control play but at the same time I do want to help give them an environment that is healthy, supports early learning, and let's them tap into and explore their creative nature. Here's what I've found works wonders.

3 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVE PLAY

Open Ended Toys

I love the idea of minimalism, but honestly I am also an artist and collector. So I cannot say that we don't have a lot of "stuff". But I can say that most of the "toys" we have are extremely open ended. Instead of focusing on battery operated bells and whistles we tend to simplify over here. The toys that don't tell them what to do, but instead see what they can do are the best for creative play! A lot of the items on this list make their way in and out of the house. Getting outside is always best - N A T U R E always provides the ultimate open-ended sensory experience!

BLOCKS (legos, wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, etc.)

DRESS-UP (scarfs, capes, crowns, etc. - homemade or hand me down are awesome!)

STUFFED ANIMALS

CRAFT SUPPLIES (paper, safety scissors, tape, glue, crayons, colored pencils...all accessible at a small kids table for whenever inspiration strikes!)

NATURAL LOOSE PARTS (shells, rocks, sticks, water, sand, dirt)

MAN MADE LOOSE PARTS (pvc pipes, cardboard boxes, buttons, pipe cleaners, play dough, etc.)

Don't Be Afraid of the Mess!

Often times open-ended toys lead to open-ended free play. And this can get messy! If you are the type of parent that likes to keep things (and children) neat and tidy, then this may take some getting used to. And may involve baby steps. But once we can let go, and allow our kids to make a mess or become a mess, it really takes a lot of pressure off of everyone! For example, the craft table at our house sits in the dining room. I try to straighten it up most nights and refresh the supplies. I have a scrap paper bin that sits on the table and my toddler loves to sit down every day and cut and paste until her little heart's content. This often concludes in little bits of paper covering the floor. At times I wish our dining room wasn't covered in confetti! But then I look at all the sweet little paper crafts I'm gifted throughout the day and I realize I wouldn't want it any other way.

Give Them Time

This is sometimes one of the hardest things to do. But the more free-play time you can build into the day the better. There is nothing more inspiring then watching play evolve, especially when you can see they are really excited and in the zone. As a parent this may mean slowing down. In today's world, not something we are programmed to do. In fact we are in an age where many parents feel the need to fill their children's schedules with planned activities so they won't "get bored". But I think most of the time, kids will figure out very creative ways to play when given the space and time to do so. I gave my kids a patch of dirt in the back yard, some PVC pipes, and muffin tins and they had a blast! Within the course of the afternoon they made mud muffins, constructed water fountains, built a bridge, and buried treasures. All in a day's work...um I mean play, when a child is left to their own devices. Give them time. Don't overbook childhood - those 18 summers go by way too fast.

Give kids the right tools, the go-ahead to get messy, and the time to explore their ideas and there you have it...the recipe for C R E A T I V E PLAY!