Creativity plays a central role in Montessori toddler programs. It not only encourages children to become imaginative and innovative thinkers but also helps them develop motor skills, learn to solve problems, and get along with others in the world.
Creative play can also go a long way in helping children become more confident individuals as they grow. If you’re looking for a few activities that can inspire creative thinking and help young children learn new skills, check out the following six options that you can use right away.
Nature Walks
Taking a class on an outdoor walk enhances their connection with nature. It can also spark wonder and creativity by allowing the children to make observations about the world, develop their motor skills, and observe textures and patterns in the natural environment.
If you want to take the creativity up a notch, have each child collect a small object (such as a leaf or a rock) and draw a representation of it once they’re back in the classroom.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are an excellent way to help children in Montessori programs explore their creative side as they discover new sounds and figure out how those sounds can complement each other.
Holding and manipulating instruments like bells, maracas, xylophones, and rhythm sticks can also help children build auditory memory, rhythmic sense, and motor skills.
Modeling Clay
Building a three-dimensional sculpture from modeling clay allows children to practice bringing their creative imaginations to life. As a result, they gain confidence in their self-expression. Additionally, making fun things out of modeling clay can help preschoolers enhance their concentration and focus, develop visual-spatial and motor skills, and use sensory methods to calm their emotions.
Flower Arrangements
In a Montessori toddler program, a great idea for an activity is to have the children make flower arrangements for the classroom. This task helps them use their creative expression to cultivate a sense of beauty and order. Arranging flowers is a practical life skill that also builds respect for the environment and involves motor skill development as children learn to pour water, pick up flowers, and gently place them in the vase.
Dramatic Play
Dramatic play is yet another activity that allows Montessori preschool children to express themselves creatively. It also has many other benefits.
When done with other children, dramatic play helps preschoolers develop empathy and social skills by encouraging them to understand different perspectives and cooperate with others to work toward a common goal. The creative expression encouraged through dramatic play also helps with language development.
Construction Play
Although playing with blocks is a common activity, it can also be creative as children get to build structures they see in their minds. Construction play encourages growth in preschool children by helping them demonstrate science and mathematical concepts like shapes, sizes, symmetry, and balance.
Construction play also promotes problem-solving through trial and error and the development of fine and gross motor skills through material manipulation.
Montessori Programs Help Your Child Learn Through Creativity
Creative activities are of the utmost importance in a young child’s life. They give children the freedom to explore their own imaginations and can help them develop critical skills they will use in their academic and personal lives.
At Montessori West, our Montessori toddler program makes ample time to promote creative expression in your young child. From music lessons in the morning work cycle to movement during circle time and outdoor play, your child will get a chance to grow and develop into a confident, independent, and expressive learner. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child build on their innate sense of curiosity and creativity.
