The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley (BGCKV) supports the United Way of Kennebec Valley’s Impact2032 visions for health, education, and financial stability through various programs and resources. The club supports the vision for education by focusing on creative play to support social and emotional development for early childhood programs.
Creative play for early childhood education is based on learning through play. A creative play curriculum allows children to build skills in social-emotional, cognitive, imaginative, and role-playing. During creative play activities, children learn how to problem solve, gain independence, and interact with their peers. Creative play is open-ended allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace and interest, while teachers are modeling new skills.
Examples of creative play could be art, blocks, dramatic play, and sensory activities. Open-ended art is a great way for the children to express themselves through art by looking at the process, not the product. Block play promotes problem-solving, math, and science skills as they can develop structures and designs. Dramatic play helps children to learn life skills and opportunities to explore community helpers. Sensory play helps with fine skills as well as allows children to explore different textures to stimulate their senses.
By promoting creative play children can learn in the least restrictive environment while still enhancing their developmental skills.
