The creative process is an important part of the learning process. It helps them solve problems, communicate ideas and gain confidence. We at Baby Fox Academy know that it’s important to provide children with the space they need to develop their imagination. Our programs are built with a focus on fostering creativity in preschool. Every child is unique in their thinking and creativity. Here are five of the ways that we make this happen every day.
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941-953-FOXY Sarasota
941-359-FOXY Lakewood Ranch
1. Open-Ended Arts Activities
We let the children express themselves in art and we don’t tell them how their art should look. We provide them with tools, space and support.
Paints, crayons and clay are all available to children. Some days, they use brushes and some days, they paint with brushes. Some days, they use blocks or scrap paper to make collages.
It’s not about creating a “perfect picture”. Enjoy the process.
The open-ended approach allows children to:
- Choose wisely
- Take Risks
- Solve small problems yourself
- Feel proud of your ideas
Every scribble or splash of paint and every feather glued on is a learning step. Children’s creativity grows when they feel free to experiment without worrying about what is right or wrong.
2. Storytelling & Dramatic Play
Children can use their imaginations by telling stories and acting out the scenes. Storytelling and dramatic play is part of our everyday activities.
Around the classroom, we set up various pretend play areas. On some days, it could be a classroom. Some days, it might be a kitchen.
Children create their own stories by dressing up and playing roles. Children create characters, work together to solve problems and come up with solutions.
Playing with children can be beneficial for their development.
- Use words to express your ideas
- Work with others
- Creative thinking
- Confidence in sharing thoughts
When needed, teachers can guide the play but they should step back and let kids take charge. We love to see where their imaginations lead them.
3. Music and Movement
Baby Fox Academy is a place where music fills the air. We sing, dance, play instruments and even create our own music.
It is easy to be creative when you listen to music. It allows children to move their bodies and hear patterns.
Children may:
- Tap out rhythms with drums
- Shake bells and maracas
- Sing the songs you know
- Create silly songs on their own
- Dance around the room freely
We sometimes give the kids a theme like “rainy days” or “space travel,” and then let them create a song about it.
Music and movement develop both fine motor and large motor skills. Children can express feelings that they may not have yet expressed verbally.
4. Nature-Based Exploration
Nature is an excellent teacher. We spend a lot of time outdoors at Baby Fox Academy. Fresh air and wide open spaces allow children to create, think and wonder.
Our outdoor activities often include:
- Nature Walks
- Gardening
- Collecting sticks, leaves and rocks
- Birds and insects to watch
- Natural materials for building
Children are encouraged to make observations and ask questions. They can then use their findings to create something new.
A few leaves and twigs can be transformed into a fairy home. A pile of stones becomes a castle. Mud and water can inspire new types of paintings.
Children learn that there is creativity everywhere in nature. Children learn to appreciate the beauty of simple things and how to make use of what they have around them.
Contact Us
941-953-FOXY Sarasota
941-359-FOXY Lakewood Ranch
5. Child-Led Projects & Choices
We believe that children are full of great ideas we make time in our schedule for children-led projects.
We set aside time each week for the kids to choose what they would like to do. You might choose:
- Building a giant brick tower
- Paint a mural together with friends
- Write a group story
- Put on a puppeteer show
Teachers can help, but they do not have control over the project. We can provide materials for a group of children who want to transform the classroom into a tropical jungle. We encourage anyone who wants to create a treasure map.
Let children lead, and they will learn that their ideas are important. This encourages creativity and builds confidence.
When children are allowed to make their own choices, they will take greater pride in the work they produce.
Fostering creativity in preschool shapes the future
Encouragement of creativity is more than just fun. It develops skills that the children can use throughout their lives.
Fostering creativity in preschool helps children:
- New ways to solve problems
- Think for yourself
- Work with others
- Feelings can be expressed in healthy ways
- Keep your eyes open and curious.
The ability to be creative is now more important than ever in a world where rapid change occurs. Early adaptability and creativity will be carried over to school and work.
We believe that allowing children to create and imagine is the best gift we can give them.
Baby Fox Academy – A typical day
Here’s an example of a typical Baby Fox Academy day to help you better understand our focus on creativity:
Evening
Open play begins as soon as the children arrive. Others choose to paint. Some choose to paint, while others build block towers and play with sensory bins.
We dive right into themed activities after circle time. We might create paper plate jellyfish if the theme is ocean life, or a group wall mural if it’s “oceanlife”.
Midday
Outside time comes next. Children can explore the nearby nature trails, playgrounds, and gardens. The kids can collect sticks to make a fort, or leaves to use in a later craft.
Snacks give everyone a chance to relax and share stories.
Afternoon
You can read books or create stories with your group. Then, music and movement are followed by lots of singing, laughing, and dancing.
The children can then choose projects they want to work on individually or in small groups. Teachers can help by asking them open-ended question and providing assistance if necessary.
The End of the Day
Then we end with a brief reflection and let the kids tell us what they learned or created. They are excited and proud to return tomorrow.
Tips for parents: How to support creativity at home
It is not necessary to be a professional artist to encourage your child to be creative. Even small steps can have a huge impact.
Here are some easy ideas.
- Free play time is a great way to get them involved.
- Simple art supplies are available (paper, crayons and glue)
- Allow them to help you with gardening, cooking or building.
- Together, read a lot of stories
- You can ask open-ended questions such as “What will you do next?”
- Celebrate efforts, not only results
You can best show your child the value of their ideas by showing them that they are valuable. Listen to them when they tell a wild tale. When they show you their scribbled drawings, smile. Encourage them to continue thinking and creating.
Final Thoughts
At Baby Fox Academy, fostering creativity in preschool is not a side activity–it’s part of everything we do.
When children are allowed to explore, imagine and create, we know they develop the skills needed for a brighter future.
We help kids become confident and creative thinkers by giving them the time, tools, and trust they need. We are proud to be a part of every child’s journey – one paintbrush, puppet performance, or muddy stick fort.
