09/10/2024
Good to reflect on this when we’re tempted to blame technology, iPhones and social media for children not playing.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Nm24i7AXN2NbvvPN/?mibextid=WC7FNe
I've noticed a worrying trend in our kindergartens. More and more children seem to struggle with imaginative play, creative art, and problem-solving.
I have been seeing more and more 4-year-olds at free play time, instead of diving into imaginative scenarios or creating cardboard/blocks/mud pit structures, many sit or stand waiting to be told what to do next.
This observation isn't unique to me. Research by Kyung Hee Kim (2011) shows creativity scores in children have been declining since the 1990s.
I believe we've created some of this situation without intending to (me included).
In our rush to prepare children academically, or our rush to purchase toys that are 'educational' we've reduced time for free play and creative exploration.
We've given our kids toys that come packaged inside cardboard boxes, rather than just letting them enjoy the cardboard box itself!
But it's not too late to change course. By embracing unstructured play and allowing children to navigate "boredom," we can reignite their creative spark.
It might be messy, it might be noisy, it might be chaotic, but it's in these moments that true innovation happens.
I can assure you, that building their creativity each day feels hard at the start, but in a few weeks you'll see your child enjoy play more, and you'll then be able to watch their excitement grow with common every day resources like my kids building a boat yesterday with an old container, straws, spoons, and elastic bands.
I've prepared a handout called "I'm Bored" to help educators and parents transform moments of boredom into opportunities for creativity. You can access it in our free online community here: https://play-move-improve-online-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=647e98e1a2355e92458aefe994236d1b242c29d6-13c935a2-02c9-4cad-b582-defaa069c3e8
