Create and Explore with Preschoolers

 “There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns”
~Edward de Bono

I enjoy the fact that I can create a setting where children are free to create and explore. There are plenty of good hearty “raw” materials to work with that the children can freely explore at certain times of the day. ‘Green materials’; like card board boxes, newspaper, bits of twine, leaves, masking tape, scissors, glue, etc. are regular staples in the art area during free time. The children love to discover and make wonderful creations with these materials. The parents have become so excited about the intensity at which their children are working on their ‘masterpieces’ that they have decided to contribute to our ‘Green Materials’ art box-at times these materials can spill over into other areas of our classroom environment. These project have become short or long term projects, thematic projects, or take home projects…all prompted by the preschool children. I often think back in my early years of teaching preschool children where I had the tendency to want to entertain the kids. Those poor three year-olds…looking back at me like the all just got a shot of Novocain while I lip sank to “You’re a Shining Star” by Earth Wind & Fire. Sad..........I was just a nubie and age 17, what did I know. But now that I know this much is true, when children know they are the ‘Shining Stars’ and as their smiles brighten up the room- how could you not feel like a Shining Star, yourself !