Expressive art and design

Activities such as art, activity books or construction toys allow children to experiment with different materials, colours, shapes and textures. Through this type of play, children can make choices about what they want to create and develop their own ideas, rather than simply copying an adult’s example.

Construction and creative play also encourage children to use their imagination and explore how different materials can be combined to create something new. Children may build a structure, design a picture or create a model based on their own ideas or experiences. Talking about what they have created helps them explain their choices and develop confidence in expressing themselves, while the process of experimenting, changing and trying again supports creativity, curiosity and enjoyment of learning.

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