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The safety and well being of the kids at our day care is our primary responsibility as providers. We are not however merely babysitters, nor referees at some chaotic miniature wrestling event (though often times it feels that way) but facilitators, entrusted with the important task of nurturing and developing the whole child. Encouraging creativity and imagination is a vital aspect of this facilitation role. Opening the door to various creative outlets will ensure that children will lead a richer more complete life. Here are some pointers on opening those doors.

Expose kids to the arts, culture and beauty whenever possible will help them to grow to appreciate and recognize same. Organize short visits to the local art gallery, museum, library and view various types of art. Try to arrange trips to see plays or musical performances, simply play different types of music at the day care and get the kids moving and dancing. Encourage creativity in cooking activities, playing with sand or water, arrange nature walks and point out the natural beauty that exists all around us. Read and encourage reading. Have a vibrant lively story time involving made up stories that ramble and grow thus leading into miniature dramatic plays. Anything goes.

Kids have a natural, inbuilt love of music. Get the musical instruments out (improvise with household items if necessary), let them rock out (suffer the headache!it's a good cause!). Get a sing song going and make up new words, act out the songs and help make music come alive as an organic, malleable instrument. The subsequent endeavors may well be dubious (songs that are vaguely punk rockish rather than melodious, artistic attempts that resemble puke) but all expression should be praised and discussed.

Creativity demands that there be mess so allow it. Neat and tidy playrooms tend not to encourage creative spirits so put your happy face on, roll up your sleeves and revel in the mess. Laying newspapers, spreading a tarp and using art aprons can help minimize some of the damage. Don't attempt to direct the artistic efforts unfolding around you just let them develop. Freedom of expression leads to personal works of art no matter what age the artist. If your help is requested lend a hand, discuss works in progress, ask questions but avoid critiques. The benefits of creative and imaginative play are many and wondrous. Children feel unthreatened in imaginary situations and are more likely to experiment with their verbal skills. Role play can encourage them to express worries or fears and can also thus leading to active problem solving. Creativity can help unlock hitherto untapped talents leading to increased confidence in a child. Most importantly, boredom becomes a thing of the past when the magical kingdom of the imagination has been unlocked.