Creativity in Early Years Learning is a big part of how young children learn and grow. It’s not just about painting or drawing—it’s about how children explore, solve problems, and express themselves every day. From the moment toddlers start making marks on paper to the way preschoolers tell stories or ask questions about the world, creativity is all around them. It helps children understand their experiences and share their ideas with others.

 In early childhood education, creativity isn’t a separate subject—it’s part of everything children do. Whether they’re playing with blocks, singing songs, learning numbers, or exploring nature, children use creative thinking to make sense of things. Creativity helps them build important skills in thinking, feeling, moving, and relating to others. When kids are encouraged to try new things, take risks, and be themselves, they gain confidence and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

 For creativity to grow, children need environments where they feel safe and inspired. Teachers and caregivers play a huge role in creating these spaces. By offering open-ended materials like clay, paper, or simple household items, asking questions that make kids think, and paying attention to what interests each child, educators help children become curious explorers. Sometimes creative activities can be messy or unpredictable—and that’s okay! Those moments are where children learn deeply.

 Many educators look to famous thinkers for ideas about creativity. Lev Vygotsky showed how talking and playing with others helps children come up with new ideas. The Reggio Emilia approach celebrates all the different ways children can express themselves—through movement, drawing, sounds, and storytelling. Howard Gardner taught us that every child is unique, and creativity shows up differently for each one. Some kids might be great with music, others with building or solving puzzles.

 Creativity is also important for making sure all children feel included. No matter where a child comes from, what language they speak, or what abilities they have, creative activities give them a chance to join in, share their stories, and connect with friends. It helps children appreciate each other’s differences and feel like they belong.

 This website shares lots of ideas about how creativity fits into different parts of the curriculum. You’ll find simple ways to bring creativity into arts, science, literacy, technology, and combined learning areas like STEM and STEAM. Each section includes:

• A quick introduction to the subject and why creativity matters

• Helpful ideas and background information

• Materials and tools that work well for creative learning

• Fun activities for kids from babies up to 8 years old

• Examples showing creativity in action

• Tips for teachers about encouraging creativity

 Our hope is to inspire teachers to see creativity everywhere in their work with children. Creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s something that grows when children are supported with care and exciting opportunities.

 Creativity is the heart of learning in early childhood. It invites children to imagine new possibilities, make meaning of their world, and show who they are. When creativity is part of everything children do, learning becomes joyful, meaningful, and full of wonder.