5.9.1 Fostering Creativity from Age 0 to 8

Fostering Creativity from Age Zero to Eight Researches show that a child is influenced a lot by the would be mother, more so by her psyche, nutrition and other habits. It continues even after birth. Teachers are a great influence in a child’s thought process and forming the mindset. Many educators believe that schools destroy the creative ability of children. We have taken steps to ensure that the natural abilities of toddlers to think creatively and ask intriguing questions is fostered. We minimize the intervention of teachers in the form of ‘teaching’ children. In our pre-school environment we have children working on didactic materials and the teachers only give a feedback to children. We also realize that verbal communication to young children doesn’t engage them and their limited vocabulary limits their expression but their questioning mind travels fast and deep. This insight has resulted in developing various activities to enable these children to become more confident, thoughtful and self learning. Above all they are all very eager to come to school ad ‘work’. Reflection of experience results in wisdom and not experience by itself, thus our ‘reflection’ process is embedded in the activities and we see very enthusiastic, smart and self develoopmet children. Part of this reflection process the ability to ask questions are fostered. When they ask probing question, their attention to what they know and what they want to know becomes a phenomenon. They become a researching mind moving around in a body of say under 6 years. The same spirit is kept alive during interaction based as specific concepts related to specific subjects. The end result is original thinking and original understanding. Another important aspect of learning at this stage is the importance of play. Our approach to academics is through activity and play. These are all mainly created by teachers to suit the content and the interest of children. The idea of Multiple Intelligences and Emergent Curriculum Play key roles. So, we don’t TEACH. Children learn. Their creativity is encouraged and they become confident and creative children. If this topic is approved, samples and documentation of children’s work and the teachers planning would be stoned with the audience. Learning is unlimited when children’s imagination is appreciated and channelized. Dr M Srinivasan (srini@gear.ac.in) Bengaluru, India

Author(s):