In early childhood education, sparking creativity is just as important as teaching the basics. One beautiful way to do this is through "invitations to create."

Invitations to create not only help children express themselves but also boost their problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. 

What are invitations to create? An invitation to create is a fun, open-ended activity where kids get to use different materials to make whatever they imagine. Unlike crafts with specific instructions, these invitations focus on the process, not just the end result. There’s no right or wrong way, so kids can explore and express their ideas however they like.

These invitations usually involve setting out an assortment of materials—like paper, markers, glue, natural items, or recycled items—in a way that’s eye-catching and inviting. The setup is designed to spark curiosity and get kids excited to start creating.

What are the benefits of invitations to create?

• Boosts creativity and self-expression: Your child gets to let their imagination run wild without worrying about a specific outcome. This freedom helps them think outside the box and show their unique ideas, which in turn builds their self-confidence.
• Helps with problem-solving: As your child experiments with materials and figures out how to bring their ideas to life, they naturally work on problem-solving. They might try out different materials, test new techniques, or adjust their plans if something isn’t working. This process is great for developing their critical thinking skills.
• Develops fine motor skills: The act of creating—whether it’s cutting, gluing, drawing, or assembling—helps kids fine-tune their fine motor skills. These skills are key for things like writing, buttoning clothes, and other tasks that need good hand-eye coordination.
• Promotes independence and confidence: By making their own choices about what to create, your child builds a sense of independence. Seeing their ideas come to life boosts their confidence, which can help in other areas of learning and growth.
• Supports language development: While creating, kids often talk about what they’re doing, which helps expand their vocabulary and communication skills. As parents and educators we can support this by asking questions about their creations, prompting them to explain their thoughts and ideas.

How to set up an invitation to create

Setting up an invitation to create is part art, part science. Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick a theme or focus: Although invitations to create are open-ended, having a loose theme can guide the activity. This might be based on a season, a book, a colour, or a type of material. For example, a winter theme could include cotton balls, blue and white paper, and silver glitter.
2. Choose a variety of materials: Offer a mix of familiar and new materials works well. This might include basic art supplies like crayons and markers, as well as more unusual items like fabric scraps, buttons, or natural elements like leaves and stones. The variety encourages kids to think creatively about how to use everything.
3. Present the materials well: How you set up the materials can make a big difference. Arrange them neatly, maybe in small containers or trays, and put them on a low table where the kids can easily reach them. The setup should invite curiosity and exploration.
4. Give your kids freedom to create: Once the invitation is ready, step back and let the kids take charge. Offer help if needed, but let their imagination lead the way. The goal is to let their creativity drive the process.
5. Engage and observe: While kids are creating, you can interact with them by asking questions like, “What are you making?” or “What do you think will happen if you try this?” These questions encourage them to think more deeply and reflect on their process.

In a nutshell, invitations to create are a fantastic tool for early childhood education. They give kids the chance to explore, experiment, and express themselves in a supportive environment. By focusing on the creative process rather than the final product, these activities nurture your child’s natural curiosity and creativity, setting the stage for lifelong learning and discovery. Whether at home or in a classroom, adding invitations to create to your routine can help kids develop important skills while having fun and exploring their world.