UNDERSTANDING

CREATIVITY
by: Ma Jonnah Myrielle M. Pili
What is
Creativity?
Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas,
solutions, or expressions that are both novel and
valuable. It involves thinking outside conventional
boundaries and applying imagination to create
something new.

Creativity can manifest in various forms, including

art, music, writing, problem-solving, and everyday
life.
 Creativity
Process or Product 2
Process Product

This perspective emphasizes the journey Here, creativity is viewed in terms of the
of creation. It involves stages such as tangible outcomes produced, such as
exploration, experimentation, and artworks, compositions, inventions, or
refinement. The process of creativity innovative solutions. This perspective
includes brainstorming, idea generation, focuses on the end result of creative
and the iterative development of efforts and assesses its originality,
concepts. It values the experiences, impact, and relevance. The product of
struggles, and insights gained along the creativity is often celebrated for its
way, regardless of the final outcome. uniqueness and contribution to culture,
knowledge, or society.
 Obstacles to
Creativity 2
Home School

Society, Culture, and

Tradition
Gender Roles
 HOME
01 | Lack of 02 | Parental
Resources Expectations
Limited access to art supplies, Pressure to conform to
musical instruments, or creative traditional career paths or
materials. academic success over creative
pursuits.

03 | Over- 04 | Negative
Scheduling Reinforcement
Busy family schedules that leave Dismissive attitudes towards
little time for creative creative efforts or interests from
exploration. family members.
 SCHOOL
02 | Limited Time
01 | Rigid
for Creative
Curriculum
Activities
Standardized testing and a focus
Standardized testing and a focus
on rote learning that stifles
on rote learning that stifles
creative thinking.
creative thinking.

04 | Lack of
03 | Teacher
Professional
Attitudes
Development
Educators who prioritize
Insufficient training for teachers
conformity and compliance over
on how to foster creativity in the
innovation and expression.
classroom.
 GENDER ROLES
01 | Stereotypes 02 | Discouragement
Societal beliefs that certain Social pressures that discourage
creative fields are gender- individuals from pursuing creative
specific (e.g., art for girls, interests based on their gender.
engineering for boys).

03 | Limited
Representation
Lack of role models in creative
fields for underrepresented
genders.
SOCIETY, CULTURE, &
TRADITION
02 | Fear of
01 | Cultural Norms
Judgment
Societal expectations that
Concerns about how creative
prioritize conformity and
expressions will be perceived by
discourage deviation from
others, leading to self-
traditional practices.
censorship.

03 | Fear of 04 | Tradition
Judgment Over Innovation
Economic and social barriers A strong emphasis on
that limit exposure to creative maintaining cultural traditions at
experiences and education. the expense of new ideas and
creative exploration.
Recommendations
for Enhancing
Creativity in
Early Childhood
Education
 Use of Time

Recommendation Modification
Allow for more unstructured playtime and
exploration, enabling children to engage in
Increase Flexibility in Scheduling
creative activities without time
constraints.
Embed arts, music, and movement into
Integrate Creative Activities Throughout
various subjects rather than confining
the Day
them to specific times.
 Use of Space

Recommendation Modification
Design classroom spaces that can be easily
Create Flexible Learning Environments rearranged to accommodate different types
of creative activities.
Set up various stations that focus on
Incorporate Diverse Activity Stations different creative outlets, such as art, music,
drama, and building.
 Curriculum

Recommendation Modification
Emphasize learning through play, allowing
Adopt a Play-Based Curriculum children to explore and create in a hands-on
manner.
Develop projects that combine multiple
Encourage Interdisciplinary Learning subjects, allowing children to express
creativity across disciplines.
 Teaching Behaviors

Recommendation Modification
Encourage risk-taking and experimentation,
Foster a Growth Mindset emphasizing that mistakes are part of the
creative process
Demonstrate creative problem-solving in
Model Creative Thinking front of students, showing how to approach
challenges with an open mind.
Create opportunities for children to work
Encourage Collaboration and Peer
together on projects and provide
Feedback
constructive feedback to one another.
Compare and Contrast Matrix:
Creativity vs. Conformity
Aspect Creativity Conformity
The ability to generate Adherence to established
Definition
original ideas and solutions. norms, rules, or standards
Fluid and dynamic;
Rigid and static; prioritizes
Nature encourages exploration and
consistency and uniformity.
innovation.
Individualistic; allows for
Collective; emphasizes group
Expression personal expression and
identity and shared values.
unique perspectives.
Involves experimentation, Involves following
Process risk-taking, and learning established procedures and
from failure. guidelines.
Results in predictable and
Produces novel ideas, art,
Outcome standardized behaviors or
inventions, and solutions.
products.
Compare and Contrast Matrix:
Creativity vs. Conformity
Aspect Creativity Conformity
Driven by intrinsic Driven by external pressures,
Motivation motivation, curiosity, and social expectations, and the
passion. desire for acceptance.
Encourages divergent Encourages convergent
Cognitive Approach thinking and open- thinking and adherence to
mindedness. norms.
Can lead to social change Reinforces social stability
Social Implications and innovation; challenges and cohesion; maintains
the status quo. tradition.
Fosters self-confidence, May lead to compliance,
Impact on Individuals individuality, and personal reduced self-expression, and
growth fear of deviation.
Artists, inventors, and Individuals who follow
Examples entrepreneurs who break societal norms, such as dress
new ground. codes or career paths.
 The Relationship
Between Creativity
and Intelligence
3
Creativity

In early childhood, creativity involves the ability to

think imaginatively, explore new ideas, and
express oneself through various mediums such as
art, play, and storytelling.

Intelligence
intelligence refers to cognitive abilities such as
problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding
concepts, often measured through
developmental milestones rather than
standardized tests.
Developmental
Overlap 3
Cognitive Development
Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive
development. Children develop the ability to think
abstractly, which supports both creative and
intelligent behaviors

Play as a Tool
Play is a vital component of early childhood that
fosters both creativity and intelligence. Through
imaginative play, children explore scenarios, solve
problems, and develop social skills.
Theories and Perspectives
Divergent vs. Convergent
Thinking
Divergent Thinking: This type of thinking, essential
3
for creativity, allows children to generate multiple
solutions to a problem. It encourages exploration
and innovation.
Convergent Thinking: This is more aligned with
intelligence, focusing on finding the single correct
answer. Both types of thinking are important, but
fostering divergent thinking can enhance creative
abilities.

Threshold Theory
Suggests that a certain level of cognitive ability is
necessary for creativity. In early childhood, children with
average to above-average intelligence may
demonstrate higher creative potential.
Environmental Influences
Supportive Environments
Environments that encourage exploration, play, and
3
experimentation enhance both creativity and
intelligence.

Parental and Educator

Roles
Adults can foster creativity by providing open-ended
materials, encouraging imaginative play, and valuing
creative expression alongside academic skills.
Personality Traits
Openness to Experience
Children who are encouraged to explore their interests
3
and express their thoughts tend to develop both
creative and cognitive skills.

Intrinsic Motivation
A child's natural curiosity and desire to learn play a
significant role in enhancing both creativity and
intelligence.
Practical Implications
Curriculum Design
Educational programs for young children should
3
integrate activities that promote both creative thinking
(e.g., art, music, and dramatic play) and cognitive skills
(e.g., problem-solving games).

Assessment Approaches
Assessing a child's development should consider both
creative and cognitive dimensions, recognizing that
they are interconnected.
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences
in Early Childhood Education
1. Which intelligences might
be most important for a
teacher of young children?

2. How do art skills and

process match up with the
intelligences?

3. How are multiple

intelligences strengthened
through art?
 Important Intelligences for a
Teacher of Young Children

Important
Intelligences for a Linguistic Spatial
Teacher of Young Intelligence Intelligence
Children facilitates effective
is crucial for building
Intrapersonal communication and literacy Logical- is vital for teaching art and
understanding visual-spatial
relationships and creating a
Intelligence development through Mathematical relationships.
supportive environment. storytelling. Intelligence
allows teachers to
reflect on their supports problem-solving
practices and connect and critical thinking through
emotionally with structured activities.
students
 Art Skills and Their
Connection to Intelligences

Spatial Intelligence Linguistic

is enhanced as children
Intelligence
manipulate shapes and
is enriched as children use
Interpersonal
colors in art.
art for storytelling and verbal Intelligence
Bodily-Kinesthetic expression
is fostered through
Intelligence collaborative art projects
develops through the that encourage teamwork
physical movements and communication.
involved in creating art.
 Strengthening Multiple
Intelligences Through Art
Art enhances creativity by promoting divergent thinking and
unique expression.
It fosters emotional expression, supporting intrapersonal
intelligence and self-awareness.
Engaging in art develops critical thinking as children make
decisions and solve problems.
Art promotes cultural awareness, enhancing interpersonal
intelligence by fostering empathy and understanding.
 The Relationship Between
Creativity and Child
Development in Early Childhood
1. Cognitive Development
Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity encourages
children to explore different solutions to
problems, enhancing their cognitive abilities
and critical thinking.

Imagination and Abstract Thinking: Engaging

in creative activities helps children develop
imagination, allowing them to think abstractly
and understand complex concepts.
 The Relationship Between
Creativity and Child
Development in Early Childhood
2. Emotional Development
Self-Expression: Creativity provides a medium
for children to express their feelings and
emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and
self-awareness.

Confidence and Resilience: Successfully

creating something boosts self-esteem and
encourages children to take risks, leading to
greater resilience.
 The Relationship Between
Creativity and Child
Development in Early Childhood
3. Social Development
Collaboration and Communication: Creative
activities often involve teamwork, helping
children develop social skills, learn to share
ideas, and communicate effectively.

Empathy and Understanding: Engaging in

creative play can expose children to different
perspectives, promoting empathy and social
awareness.
 The Relationship Between
Creativity and Child
Development in Early Childhood
4. Physical Development
Fine Motor Skills: Activities such as drawing,
painting, and crafting enhance fine motor
skills and hand-eye coordination, which are
essential for overall physical development.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Skills: Creative movement

and dance contribute to gross motor skills and
body awareness.
 The Relationship Between
Creativity and Child
Development in Early Childhood
5. Language Development
Vocabulary Expansion: Engaging in storytelling
and creative play enhances language skills,
enriching vocabulary and communication
abilities.

Narrative Skills: Creativity fosters the ability to

construct narratives, helping children
understand sequencing and story structure.
 Anything that is worth teaching can be
presented in many different ways. These multiple
ways can make use of our multiple intelligences.
― Howard Gardner