Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas, or being original.

Children have an innate talent of being creative. Educators believe that it’s up to parents, teachers, and guardians to provide a conducive learning environment that enables them to be creative using anything around them.

Why it’s important

Jackie Osama, a nearly childhood education teacher in Kigali, says creative art is very scholastic for kids because it’s a hands-on activity for them.

She notes that kids most of the time develop creative thinking by manipulating things in the environment, therefore, guiding them is essential.

She says, while at home, parents should not worry about where to get playing tools, rather, they can use materials that are not toys. These could be wool, paper, and milk cartons, among others.

She says when children are introduced to this kind of learning, they develop entirely (physical, social, emotional and intellectual), which she believes is important for the growing child.

Osama notes that all learning activities are integrated in creative activity, for instance, communication skills, mathematics, and science, among others.

Another important aspect, the educator highlights, is that these children learn to feel good about themselves and their work when they are introduced to creative arts at a young age.

"When imparted, creative arts help children learn to seek many answers to their problems (divergent thinkers).They can as well develop new skills on their own,” she adds.

Still on importance, Osama says kids can learn to be independent and original.

Their innate or hidden talents are awakened, and being able to express their ideas, feelings, and emotions are some of the benefits that come with creative arts.

Just like Osama, Diana Nawatti, counsellor and head teacher at Mother Mary Complex school, Kigali, says  creative arts is a fun activity, and most kids will learn fast when they enjoy what they are doing.

Nawatti says art helps boost self-confidence.

"Children who experiment and make mistakes invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond just arts,” she says.

The head teacher notes that artistic activities in young kids’ foster intellectual development, and some of their benefits include stimulating both sides of the brain.

Osama notes that this kind of art also increases the capacity of memory, attention, and concentration. It helps develop reading skills and children do better in math and science.

The age

Experts believe that when a child is born, they start experiencing creativity by identifying with people who meet their needs—the immediate environment—as they notice things around them.

Osama says as they move their little feet when being getting a diaper change, it’s creativity because it’s kinaesthetic movement.

"When you sing to them a lullaby they stop crying and listen—all these are artistic activities at that age.

"And by the time the child is a year old; they are already manipulating the environment, making uncontrolled scribbles on surfaces,” Osama says.

Parent’s role

A parent should be a role model because kids learn through observation and later imitate.

Osama says they should provide an organised environment to create space, time, safety, and enough play materials.

Also, she says playing with children will motivate them, and attractive materials boost learning.

Nawatti says it’s also the role of parents to ensure the playing materials are easily accessible to the child all the time.