4.1. Identify appropriate creative activities and their accompanying resources for use with children

This guide will help you answer 4.1. Identify appropriate creative activities and their accompanying resources for use with children.

Creative activities help children express themselves, develop skills and build confidence. They include tasks that involve imagination, problem-solving or artistic skills. These activities can be adapted for different ages, abilities and settings. Choosing the right activity means thinking about the child’s stage of development, interests, abilities and the resources you have available.

The aim is not only to create something but also to enjoy the process. Children gain social skills through sharing materials, language skills through discussing ideas and fine motor skills through using tools or small movements.

Examples range from art and craft to music, role play, storytelling, construction play and creative cooking.

Age and Stage Considerations

Different activities suit different ages. Very young children need simple activities with easy-to-handle materials. Older children can handle more complex tasks and use a wider range of tools.

Some examples by age group are:

• Babies and toddlers: finger painting, water play, sensory baskets, simple music play with shakers or drums
• Ages 3 to 5: collage making, using safety scissors, simple role play, puppets, basic cooking such as making fruit kebabs
• Ages 6 to 8: sewing simple shapes, clay modelling, structured drama games, team-based construction projects
• Ages 9 to 12: photography activities, script writing for plays, advanced science experiments presented creatively

Matching the activity to the child’s abilities makes it more enjoyable and prevents frustration. It also reduces risk when using certain tools or equipment.

Art and Craft Activities

Art and craft activities give children the chance to be creative in a hands-on way. They can explore texture, colour and shape freely.

Popular activities include:

• Painting with brushes, sponges, or fingers
• Collage using magazines, fabric scraps, buttons and natural materials
• Clay or playdough modelling
• Printing with leaves, potatoes or other objects
• Making masks or hats from cardboard
• Simple weaving with wool and paper
• Creating nature art with stones, flowers and leaves

Resources needed:

• Paper, card, paint, brushes, sponges
• Glue sticks, child-safe glue
• Scissors (safety scissors for younger children)
• Collected natural materials
• Fabric pieces, wool, ribbons
• Tissue paper, foil, recycled packaging

Always make sure paints and glues are non-toxic and washable for safety. Allow children to have choices in colours and materials to support creativity.

Music and Movement

Music and movement creative activities can involve singing, playing instruments or dancing. They help children explore rhythm, sound and expression through body movement.

Ideas include:

• Action songs with movements
• Playing percussion instruments like drums, tambourines, maracas
• Creating sound effects for a story
• Dancing freely to different styles of music
• Using scarves or ribbons in dance routines
• Making simple instruments from household items

Resources needed:

• CDs or playlists with a range of music styles
• Simple instruments, either bought or homemade
• Scarves, ribbons, fabric strips
• Space for safe movement
• Mats or soft flooring for floor activities

Music activities can be adapted easily for different abilities and can be done indoors or outdoors.

Storytelling and Drama

Storytelling allows children to create characters and settings using words and gestures. Drama lets them act out scenes, developing imagination and social skills. Both build language and confidence.

Activity examples:

• Group storytelling using props like hats, puppets or mystery objects
• Acting out popular children’s stories
• Creating a simple play based on their own ideas
• Role play areas such as shops, kitchens or hospitals
• Puppet shows made by the children

Resources needed:

• Costumes or dressing-up clothes
• Puppets (shop-bought or made from socks, paper bags)
• Props from household or playroom items
• Large sheets of fabric for backdrops
• Storybooks to act out

Give children space to create their own roles. Encourage them to cooperate in groups and share the spotlight.

Sensory Play

Sensory play helps children explore textures, sounds, tastes, smells and sights. It supports brain development and is especially beneficial for younger children or those with sensory processing needs.

Examples:

• Water play with cups, funnels and floating toys
• Sand play using moulds, rakes and sieves
• Scented playdough in different colours
• Light and shadow play with torches and objects
• Sensory trays with rice, lentils, pasta, fabric pieces or natural items

Resources needed:

• Large containers or trays for sensory materials
• Safe, clean items for touching or smelling
• Tools for scooping, pouring and shaping
• Protective aprons or old clothes
• Towels or mats for cleaning spills

Make sure any food-based materials are suitable to handle and that children with allergies are protected.

Construction and Design Activities

Construction play uses building skills along with creativity to make structures and objects. It supports maths, problem-solving and teamwork.

Activities include:

• Building towers or shapes from wooden blocks or Lego
• Junk modelling using cardboard boxes, tubes, bottle tops
• Group projects like building a pretend city
• Creating obstacle courses from indoor or outdoor equipment
• Making simple bird feeders or miniature gardens

Resources needed:

• Building blocks
• Recycled materials
• Tape, glue, string
• Outdoor space if doing large-scale builds
• Measuring tapes and rulers for older children

Let children plan before they build and give them time to improve their designs.

Cooking and Food-Based Activities

Using food as part of creative activities helps children learn about textures, tastes and healthy eating. It can be simple and safe with no cooking required for younger ages.

Ideas include:

• Vegetable or fruit printing with paint
• Making fruit skewers or faces with salad items
• Decorating biscuits with icing and toppings
• Creating themed sandwiches
• Mixing their own healthy smoothies

Resources needed:

• Chopping boards and plastic knives
• Aprons
• Bowls and spoons
• Ingredients suitable for age and dietary needs
• Easy-to-clean work surface

Cooking activities teach hygiene as well as creativity. Talk to children about healthy choices while they work.

Outdoor Creative Play

Outdoor settings can inspire new ideas. Activities can use natural resources and allow larger physical movements.

Ideas include:

• Building dens from sticks and fabric
• Nature treasure hunts with creative tasks such as drawing or photographing findings
• Chalk drawings on playground surfaces
• Creating natural art using stones or leaves
• Making wind chimes from shells or recycled objects
• Group murals on outdoor walls using washable paint

Resources needed:

• Access to outdoor space
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Collected natural materials
• Outdoor-safe paints and chalks
• String or wire for hanging items

Outdoor creative play helps children connect with nature and enjoy fresh air while being active.

Combining Creative Activities

Mixed sessions can combine more than one creative activity. For example a storytelling session could include drawing characters, making props and acting out the story. This gives children different ways to engage and keeps interest high.

You can set up stations where children move between activities such as:

• Painting area
• Music corner
• Role play space
• Construction zone

This approach works well in groups with varied interests.

Choosing Resources Wisely

Match resources to the child’s age, needs and safety level. Avoid small items for young children who might put things in their mouth. Make sure tools like scissors or staplers are child-safe and supervised.

Tips:

• Use recycled items to save money and teach sustainability
• Store resources in labelled boxes so children can help set up and tidy away
• Keep heavier or sharp tools out of reach unless directly supervised
• Choose washable materials to make cleaning easier

Resources should be in good condition without sharp edges or splinters.

Encouraging Participation

Children may need encouragement to take part in creative activities. Create an inviting environment by laying out materials attractively and joining in yourself. Praise effort rather than the finished product.

Ideas for encouraging:

• Offer free choice of colours, tools or themes
• Display work in the setting
• Involve children in setting up activities
• Allow them to work with friends or siblings
• Keep tasks short for those with limited attention span

Participation grows when children feel their ideas are valued.

Supporting Inclusion in Creative Work

Creative activities should be open to all children regardless of ability or background. Adapt tasks so everyone can take part.

Examples:

• Use large-handled brushes for children with limited fine motor skills
• Provide quieter spaces for children sensitive to noise
• Offer alternative materials for those with allergies
• Use visual aids and demonstrations for children with language barriers

Observe every child to see how they react and adjust activities to suit.

Final Thoughts

Creative activities are a powerful way to help children develop skills, express themselves and build social connections. Selecting the right activity and resources involves knowing the children well and understanding their needs. Adapt each task so it is safe, engaging and suited to their stage of growth. The more variety you offer, the more chances children have to explore new skills and interests.

By thinking ahead about materials, space and timing, you create experiences that children remember and enjoy. Creativity is not about perfect results but about the process of exploring, making and sharing. This is where confidence, curiosity and imagination grow.