7 Tips to Set Creative Play for Kids

Creative, or free, play encourages kids’ imagination and creativity, involves all their muscles, and contributes to their development. It helps kids discover themselves and explore the world around them. Although it’s called creative, it should be carefully organized by an adult. In this case children would be able to fulfill their creative potential.  

• Set special space for the play and bring props. Yes, that’s right – you will need to clean up afterwards!
• Bring in some open-ended toys. Among them are plain building blocks of different shapes and sizes, lego or other construction-type toys. You’ll be amazed at the variety of creatures your child can make!
• To set a particular environment you might need some toy figures and objects, such as animals, family figures, representatives of different professions, and vehicles. Open-ended toys allow kids to create make-believe scenarios, such as playing teacher with students, cooking breakfast in a play kitchen or building a house with a tool set.
• Introduce natural items such as stones, pieces of wood, acorns, etc. They are inexpensive and can be found during a walk. 
• Supervise the play if your child is playing with other children. Don’t expect discipline or following certain rules. They are just kids. Be prepared to intervene in case of a conflict or to make sure they are safe.  
• If you are playing with your child, let the child take the lead and control the game. Play a role your child wants you to play and follow directions of what to do. Your child may also want to play on her own so respect her decision if this is the case.
• Be ready to assist no matter whether your child plays alone or with some other children. They may need to build a fortress out of boxes or arrange chairs in a certain manner. Be available, your child’s future may depend on how responsive you are.

We hope these tips will help you and your child be creative! If you have more ideas, feel free to share them with us on our Facebook page!