How to Encourage Creativity in Your Preschooler

When you encourage your child to be creative you help them develop problem solving skills that are essential later in life. Here are five practical ways to encourage creativity in your children which will make a big impact without taking a lot of time.

1. Rhyme time in the car
The ride to and from preschool is precious time. Turn off the radio and make up poems with your child. Engage your child in word play based on objects you pass during your commute or activities they did at school that day. You do not need to follow limerick rules, just be silly and teach your child vocabulary and rhymes.

Look at the hawk in that tree!
I'm glad it isn't looking at me.
If I were a mouse I would surely flee
that powerful hawk in that tree.

2. Treat life as a musical
At my house it is common to randomly burst into song. We make up songs for any occasion and make sure to vary the style. This can be worked into practically any activity and exposes your child to music theory.

Bath time rap:
Can I get a beat?
It is time to wash those toes
It is time to wash that nose
You've got bubbles in your hair
You've got bubbles everywhere

3. Make up your own bedtime story
Switch up your bedtime routine by making up the story some nights. I usually start the story and then let my son take it away. Try a different beginning to the story every time. If your child wants to tell the same story multiple times that is okay. My son can turn any beginning into a story about a frog that lives in the forest.

4. Play with your food
I know this goes against everything your mother taught you, but done right it can be fun creative play without making a huge mess. Get a stool and have your child help you prepare dinner. Use different colored vegetables and turn your pizza into art. You can decorate bagels with raisins or cut hamburgers into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

5. Strike a pose
Being creative is not just about using your mind in unusual ways. Teach your child to use their body in innovative ways by playing physical games. Dance around and have them strike a pose when you say stop. Instead of walking to the other room try marching, hopping, tip-toes, or heel walking. Play charades with your child and have them act out various ideas or objects.

I hope you have enjoyed these quick ways to encourage creativity in your child. When you encourage your child to be creative you are helping them develop problem solving skills that are essential later in life.

Sources:
Personal Experience