Set the Stage for Your Child's Creativity

Children develop their creativity when they have time, space, materials, and freedom to explore, as well as your positive support and participation. They need to know that sometimes it is okay to make messes, make noise, move freely, and play make-believe. Here are some tips to help you make music and the arts accessible, easy, and fun for your child, and for you.

Everyday music

Use favorite songs or instruments as part of your daily routine to help set the tone for being together, and ease transitions from one activity to another. Try a special song or a drum to signal clean-up time, or a chant to help your child refocus. Sing and dance along to your favorite songs. Let your meeting area or large rug double as a dance or movement space. Keep a bin of scarves, simple instruments, and a tape player nearby.

Recycle and organize

Save empty containers, egg cartons, etc., and seek donations of materials, bins, and trays from local restaurant supply, stationary, or hardware stores, and local manufacturers. Let your child use his creativity to decorate storage containers or to make instruments, or other kinds of art. Organize materials in containers ahead of time so there is less waiting time and chaos during activities.

Anytime, anywhere, art

Create bins with simple self-contained art projects that your child can do independently and require little clean up. Store clipboards with paper and small boxes of crayons stuck to the back so your child can draw anytime, anywhere – even outdoors!

Managing messes

Try messy art activities by yourself first to discover pitfalls and joys. Provide smocks or old shirts so your child can create without worry. Wear one yourself so you can get messy too. Cover surfaces with newspaper or use plastic sheeting that can be easily wiped down and folded up for reuse.

Don't store artwork, show it

Send artwork home, keep it labeled in poster board portfolios, or show it off. A clothesline with artwork, strung across the room, can add color and personal pride to any display space, as can giant books made of poster board. Set aside time for your child to share her creations.

Play with music and art

Blocks and dramatic play are active times, so why not add some music and simple instruments to liven things up! Invite your child and his friends to decorate a large box that can double as a puppet theater and/or storage for props.

Outdoor oasis

When you can, take art and music outdoors where there is often more space and less worry about mess and noise. Try incorporating music and using simple art materials on field trips.