Creative Expression and Play

Student’s Name

Institution

Question 1

Art-based centers enhance creativity levels in children. Children utilize art materials at their disposal in different creative ways that enable them to grow their art in creativity. Also, through creativity, children grow up to be creative individuals in society who can solve problems through their original thoughts and imaginations (Mohammed, 2018). Furthermore, when children are exposed to innovative practices, they experience a rich and memorable childhood that helps in laying a foundation on creative expression. Creative expression in children can be achieved by exposing them into art during their early stages of life. Thus, teachers are required to incorporate art into their curriculum.

Therefore, art-based centers are essential in providing children with learning skills on creativity due to its associativity with art. According to Mohammed (2018), classrooms or learning environments are required to have these four features; time, climate, space, and relationships. By incorporating these four features in a classroom setup, teachers help the children to enhance their creative skills through socialization with their colleagues. Learning these aspects of space, time, climate, and relationships helps children to grow up in the society as responsible individuals who not only understand the concept of arts but also have knowledge in other fields such as science, social relation, and the environment.

Question 2

While educating children on the different aspects of art, age should be put into consideration while grouping the students. Therefore, children should be placed in groups according to their age levels. Bullard (2016) states that grouping students is essential since children of diverse ages interact differently with art. Younger students are excited and eager to explore different aspects of art at their disposal. Therefore, they tend to paint boldly and spread the paint in a wide area. According to Bullard (2016), children in the toddler level are more active in activities of art such as playing with toys and molding of clay. Contrary, children in the fourth grade tend to different types of art since they are more critically aware of their creative skills, and they are concrete in their works (Bullard, 2016). Conclusively, when teaching students from different age groups, teachers should have different kinds of techniques and methods.

Question 3

Teachers can utilize different methods and techniques in maintaining or enhancing an environment that embraces creative learning among their students. Physical space in a classroom is an inviting site and has a unique and welcoming feeling for students. Adequate space helps students to have an easy time to access the necessary materials and tools within the classroom, which motivates the children into becoming more creative (Bullard, 2016). Maximum concentration is essential in any creativity and art field. Therefore, teachers should eliminate any distractions from the classrooms that may affect the student’s attention. Teachers also should give room for the students to explore and create their work, and also encourage risk-taking amongst the student’s creativity.

A well laid out plan for the teachers is also an essential technique in managing the creativity of the students. According to Bullard (2016), at the beginning of each academic year, teachers should have a well laid out plan or calendar of the activities that they are required to cover within the year. Also, teachers should have plans for each lesson they offer to students. Before the start of a class session, the teachers are required to identify what they intend to cover on during that particular lesson and also create a motivating environment for the students by being engaging with their students.

References

Bullard, J. (2016). Creating environments for learning: Birth to age eight. Pearson.

Mohammed, R. (2018). Creative Learning in the Early Years: Nurturing the Characteristics of Creativity. Routledge.