Creative Play Benefits For Early Years Child Development

Benefits of Creative Play For Early Years Child Development

Did you know, creative play is an essential part of a child development, especially in early years?

There is no doubt education plays a significant role in early childhood development, but giving children the opportunity to express themselves and build on their physical, social and cognitive skills beyond the classroom is equally important. A great way to promote this is by adding new and exciting outdoor play equipment to your nursery, primary or secondary school playground.

In this article, we are going to explore the benefits of creative play in greater detail, as well as some of Schoolscapes UK’ top creative play equipment picks, so stick around if you’d like to learn more.

What is Creative Play?

Creative play has been defined as any activity that satisfies the need for self-expression, which includes the expression of children’s creativity and imagination. Through this type of play, children can grow emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually, on their own terms and outside of a more formal learning environment. Creative play can take several forms, for example:

• Pretend play – this is when children use different props or toys in the playground for storytelling or to act out scenarios.
• Arts and crafts – children of all ages and abilities can enjoy, which hugely promotes creativity and imagination. Give them some paper, glue, glitter or other crafts and see what amazing creations they come up with!
• Music – in a lot of school playgrounds, you will find an array of musical instruments that children can use both inside and outside of lessons, in conjunction with voice and everyday objects to create sound.
• Dance – through dance and movement, children express themselves freely either independently or with their peers in the playground.

It is important that children engage in creative play from a younger age, as they will be developing fundamental skills which will come in handy in later life.

What Are The Benefits Of Creative Play For Child Development?

Creative play at early years, key stage one and key stage two brings a wide range of benefits to children. Here’s our top five:

1. Physical development – in an age where many children are now exposed to screens from a very young age, a focus on physical development is vital. Encouraging children to play creatively outside not only helps to keep them fit, but will also contribute to the development of their coordination, balance and spatial awareness
2. Sensory Development – when a child is involved in creative activity, they will be subconsciously taking in important information, developing their observational skills and ability to listen to others, whilst also gaining a better understanding of the world. Creative play is invaluable for sensory development.
3. Interpersonal and communication skills – another key benefit of creative play is that it encourages children to interact positively with other students, bond with each other and make new friends. In addition, developing these skills during their initial school years will make the transition from EYFS to primary or secondary school much smoother.
4. Logical thinking and cognitive reasoning – when taking part in creative play outside of the classroom, children will have to overcome challenges and work things out for themselves, which foster intellectual and cognitive development. This again will help them as they grow older and are navigating the real world
5. Boosts imagination – finally, creative play allows children to use their imagination, think outside of the box and gain confidence. Not to mention, this type of play will keep them entertained for hours, which is perhaps more of a benefit for the parents and teachers!

Now you know the main benefits of incorporating creative play into your school playground, we, at Schoolscapes UK. thought it would be useful to show you some of our bestselling play equipment, designed to help develop the aforementioned skills.

Creative Play Equipment From Schoolscapes UK

Schoolscapes UK have designed and installed bespoke playgrounds to schools nationwide, for over 25 years and in that time, the team have gained a great deal of knowledge about early years child development and recognise its importance. We have expanded our product range to include play equipment that promotes creative play as much as possible. Here are some of our top picks:

Storytelling package

Our carefully handcrafted storytelling package is the perfect addition to any school playground storytelling area. The package includes a throne-like Storyteller’s Chair and two curved Opus Benches, where children can sit together, dress up and come up with exciting stories. The chair and benches are made out of high-quality, durable and low-maintenance materials that will provide fun for many years to come.

Poly Painting Station

Another product that is great for inspiring creativity and imagination amongst children is our double-sided poly painting station. Children can spend hours outside painting whatever comes to mind and even work together to create one impressive piece of art. The station is made out of a strong poly-carbonate panel, which makes it quick and easy to clean. Some of our other fun outdoor play and learning panels include our wall mounted poly painting station, wall mounted giant mirror and post mounted giant chalkboard.

Start Your Creative Play Journey Today

If you’re interested in adding more creative play equipment to your school playground, start your project today with Schoolscapes UK. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• Advanced 3D designs to help you visualise your chosen products in your playground
• Outdoor play guarantees, covering everything from machine finished timber to high density plastic components
• Inclusive product options for less-abled children
• Grants and funding assistance

Get in touch with our team today on 01209 823 181 or email us at play@schoolscapes.com and we’d be happy to advise you further.