Hi Reader,

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We hope you had a wonderful Random Acts of Kindness Week and Valentine's Day! Now that those celebrations are over, we're continuing our series on nurturing your child's growth through play and everyday activities. This week, we're getting creative.

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What Does Creativity Mean?
​Creativity is about exploring, thinking in new ways, and making something from nothing. For toddlers and preschoolers, it often comes through play—building with blocks, pretending with dolls or action figures, or drawing colorful, imaginative pictures. Whether they're turning a cardboard box into a rocket or hosting a pretend tea party, creativity gives children the freedom to experiment and express themselves in their own unique ways.

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Why Is Creativity Important in Early Childhood Development?
​Creativity helps children develop problem-solving skills, think critically, and explore different approaches to challenges. It also builds confidence as they discover their ability to create and express themselves. When kids engage in creative activities, they practice making decisions, experimenting with new ideas, and expressing their feelings.

Did you know that creative play also supports emotional development? It gives children a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings, building resilience and helping them connect with others.

Have you ever watched your child turn a cardboard box into a spaceship or a pile of blocks into a castle? Kids are naturally creative, but their creativity can fade as they grow. The good news is that we can help keep it going!

Creativity isn't just about art—it's about problem-solving, exploring ideas, and thinking in new ways.

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So, how can we encourage creativity?

We model it! When kids see us exploring, playing, and making mistakes, they feel free to do the same.

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5 Simple Ways to Foster Creativity At Home:

• Give plenty of free time—structured activities are great, but unstructured play builds creativity.
• Create a space for creativity – Set out quality building sets, art supplies, and pretend play props.
• ​Ask open-ended questions – such as, "What else could we use this for?" or "How do you think that works?"
• Let them make mistakes – Creativity grows when kids feel safe to try new things.
• Join in! Let your child see you create—doodle, dance, build, or tell a silly story.

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​A Quick Creativity Challenge

Want an easy way to spark creativity today?

Try this:
Set out a basket of random objects—spoons, fabric, blocks, paper tubes—and ask, "What can we make with these?" See what your child comes up with! You might be surprised at their imagination.

Hands-On Creative Play Activities:

• Cardboard Creations – Give your child a box and markers, and let their imagination take over.
• Build Something Big – Create something with giant blocks, cardboard boxes, or pillows.
• Storytelling Basket – Fill a basket with small toys or objects and let your child create a story around them.​
• Storytelling Jar – Write silly words or characters on paper slips, pull them out, and make up a story. Or try these Create a Story Cards.
• Art Without Rules – Set out paints, markers, or collage materials without instructions. Just explore!
• Loose Parts Play – For open-ended exploration, set out items like buttons, fabric scraps, and wooden blocks.

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Books That Inspire Creativity:

• ​Not a Box by Antoinette Portis – A simple but powerful book that shows how imagination transforms everyday objects.
• ​Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg – Encourages kids to see mistakes as opportunities for creativity.
• ​The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds – A remarkable story about building confidence and embracing creativity.
• ​What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada – A story of a brilliant idea and the child who helps bring it to life.

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Imaginative Movies to Watch Together:

• Imagination Movers – A popular band brings creative ideas and music to TV
• Inside Out – A fun way to explore emotions and storytelling.
• The Lego Movie – Celebrates creativity and thinking outside the box.
• Winnie the Pooh – A sweet reminder of the joy of imaginative play.

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Nurturing your child's creativity—whether through drawing, storytelling, building or pretend play—is always worthwhile.

You can foster creativity every day—one block, one story, one idea at a time!

So, let's keep inspiring creativity together!

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Do you have a favorite way to encourage creativity? Reply and let us know—we'd love to hear!

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​All the best,

Kimberli and Joseph

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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars

FREE No More Picky Eating Challenge February 19-25. If you're ready to banish picky eating and find more peace at the dinner table, the No More Picky Eating Challenge is for you! Just 30 minutes a day to make a huge impact.​

Read Across America Day provides ​year-round fun reading activities for kids​ daily, weekly, or monthly. Take advantage of the celebrations on March 2 and throughout National Reading Month in March.

Week of the Young Child 2025 will occur from April 5 to April 11. It is a fun-filled week where childcare providers and families come together to celebrate the importance of early childhood education (from birth to age 8).

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