LATEST STORIES
Getting Creative and Expressive
Creative play has been a huge interest of ngā tamariki (the children) over the last few months here in the nursery. At first the tamariki ma were involved in a lot of pretend play experiences where they were able to be creative and expressive. They enjoyed exploring the borrowed creative play resources from the preschool as well as the new equipment we sourced. The tamariki ma further developed their knowledge and skills in a range of different areas as they explored their creative and expressive sides by themselves, with their peers and with their kaiako (teachers).
Along with pretend kitchen items, dolls and accessories we introduced dress ups. These were a big hit and are now out daily, changed around to follow the interests of the current time. The creative and expressive focus followed on to art experiences which ngā tamariki have been enjoying being involved in, in various ways. Painting and drawing experiences were popular with many of the tamariki. Introducing new and different resources to use to paint and draw with and on provided the tamariki ma with lots of opportunities to explore and further develop their knowledge and skills as they became creative and expressive.
We were very lucky to receive a donation of clay from our local insulators which ngā tamariki have absolutely enjoyed exploring. During these creative and expressive experiences the older tamariki ma have also been increasing their independence. Through participating in pretend play similar to real life experiences they have further developed their self help skills. They have become affirmed as individuals to make choices on what they play with and how, by taking the lead and choosing resources.
It has been amazing to see the confidence grow as the tamariki learn to communicate through being creative and expressive while having lots of fun.