When we talk about children and creativity, some minds go straight to artistic creativity and the age-old finger painting fun. Creativity has a larger impact on a child’s development than finger painting alone. Creativity also refers to imagination and original ideas, which are the tenets of innovation and problem solving.

Why Creativity is Important

At its basic root, the term creativity describes the human ability for one to express herself or think about things in a different way. A good sense of self-expression in a child can lead to a more communicative adult who has a stronger sense of self.

Creative thinking leads to better problem solvers. Your child’s creativity can lead her to being the doctor who finds a cure for cancer or fighting hunger. As parents and caretakers, we can equip our children with the tools to handle any problems they may face in the future by developing their creativity.

Creativity Time During Free Play

A child’s creativity muscle gets a lot of exercise during unstructured free play time. Since there is no requirement for exactly what a child should be doing, she can let her mind explore the limitless possibilities! If you are looking to help your child build her creativity, carve out some time for supervised free play time.

Creativity During Art Time

Art projects can be a perfect opportunity for children to develop creativity and self-expression. One of the roadblocks in developing a child’s creativity is placing an expectation on the end product. A child could be disheartened when she realizes her masterpiece looks nothing like what it is “supposed” to look like. Taking out the “supposed to” aspect of art projects makes a significant impact on fostering a child’s creativity.

Instead of making sure all of the children have instruction to attempt to repeat an image they see, focus on the process instead of the product. As long as the children are utilizing the different tools and materials in a safe manner, let their brains run wild to build their creativity without fear of judgment.

Encouraging Your Child’s Creativity

Many parents have experienced that awkward moment when a child brings home an art project that looks unrecognizable. Take those opportunities to learn about your child’s inventions free of judgment! Discussing a child’s art work with them is an excellent way to begin discussion of the day’s activities.

We suggest that a parent not ask, “What’s that?” because to a child very often they were not drawing a particular thing. Instead, perhaps ask your child to tell you about the picture she brought home, which will often encourage them to talk about their creation.

Creativity at Noah’s Ark Child Center

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, creativity is an integral part of our curriculum. We foster your child’s creativity through activities like dance, music, block building, dramatic play, mud play to challenge your child’s imagination and ability.

Our childcare professionals at Noah’s Ark Child Center strive to create a safe environment that supports creativity and self-expression of all the children.

Stop by for a tour and visit Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno today!

The time has come for your child to go to school! You have been preparing for this day, and there may be a question lingering as a parent or caretaker: “what next?” There are many school age programs and activities that can supplement your child’s education in the classroom.

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, we have come up with a few school age program activities for kids to continue learning and having fun at the same time!

Indoor Activities

Arts and crafts are a great way to improve a child’s fine motor skills and self-expression. Strengthening these skills in a school age child will help him learn and grow in the classroom. One fun and creative arts and crafts activity for school age children is to make a rain stick. By filling a tube with rice and seeds, your child can replicate the sound of rain — how cool!

Outdoor Activities

School age programs are a chance for kids to explore!

Activate the kids’ brains and hearts with an interactive scavenger hunt! Create clues that are based on what the children have been learning in school to reinforce their education. With proper supervision, you can get the little ones running around for aerobic exercise and practicing logic or other educational skills!

Summer Activities

At Noah’s Ark Child Center, our summer school age program activities include field trips  centered around a weekly theme. Assigning a theme to each week gives the children a focus to help children learn and grow.

During our programs we take children on enriching field trips throughout the community. We visit Museums, the University of Nevada-Reno, and other places where kids can learn about the community. We also have field trips to Wild Island Family Adventure Park, Reno Aces Ballpark, and a fun bowling alley! No matter where we go, we make sure your kids are having fun!

Fall Activities

Do you have a lot of spare containers lying around your Reno home or daycare center? Repurpose them by using the old milk cartons and cans to help kids build their very own robot. This is a fun arts and crafts activity that can also involve some math by having children measure. Be sure there are no sharp objects included in the recycled products, since tiny fingers on something sharp is not a fun ending to a day building a robot!

School Age Programs at Noah’s Ark Child Center

Noah’s Ark Child Center offers school age programs!

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, we offer school age programs during the summer and for before and after school! The Noah’s Ark Child Center Summer School Age Program is open for children who have completed the first grade through children who are thirteen years old. School Age Programs during the summer help children keep their minds sharp between school years.

The Before and After School Programs for school age children are also helpful to expand a child’s education beyond time in the classroom. The School Age Program at Noah’s Ark Child Center is under the guidance of a School Age Supervisor and experienced staff.

Activities are planned for the morning and afternoon sessions, which allow the children free time to play and interact with their friends. Crafts, computers, games, stories, science, cooking, visitors and outdoor activities are included in the children’s time.
Visit us today to enter your child into a School Age Program in Reno at Noah’s Ark Child Center!