Creative Play

Happy Tuesday!

My daughter is into all things creative and isn't afraid to give anything creative a go. With this in mind, she received a ukulele as a present over 2 years ago. She had a little play around with it every now and then, but it was packed away during a move and she didn't see it for a few months.

Just recently, it was rediscovered hiding in a box under our new house. Being an iGeneration girl, she thought there must be an app that could help her learn how to play this thing. One afternoon, she followed the instructions on the app, tuned her instrument, and learnt a few basic notes. Within 24 hours, she had made up her own little tune! She was so proud that she took a video, showed some of her friends, and put on a performance for the family. She continues to practise and has added a few more bars to her tune, and even a 'bridge'! (Yousician is in the App store).

If your child shows any interest in something, give them the opportunity to explore it in their own creative way. If there is no pressure, they may feel more relaxed and willing to have a go. Give children the ability to decide when it's the right time for them. Each child has different likes and abilities, and creative play is a great way for them to express themselves. They may love to draw, paint, role-play, construct, play an instrument, or dance. Either way, encourage what it is they love or show an interest in, and let their imagination go wild.

Don't forget to encourage them to perform or show you what they have created, and give them the feedback that will ensure they do not feel discouraged.

Jeannette :)