21. ELDA Focus: Creativity – Nurturing Imagination and Expression

The fifth Early Learning and Development Area (ELDA) in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is Creativity. This area recognizes and nurtures a child's imagination, artistic expression, innovative thinking, and ability to explore ideas through various forms, including art, music, dance, and dramatic play.

Aims of the Creativity ELDA: The primary aims of this ELDA are to enable children to:

• Express themselves freely and imaginatively.
• Explore different art forms (visual arts, music, dance, drama).
• Develop problem-solving skills through creative thinking.
• Experiment with materials and ideas.
• Appreciate beauty and aesthetics.
• Develop sensory awareness and fine motor skills through creative activities.

Developmental Guidelines (Examples for Babies, Toddlers, Young Children, Towards Grade R):

• Babies (0-12 months):
  • Beginning: Respond to music and sounds, show interest in bright colors and contrasting patterns.
  • Moving On: Begin to mouth and explore different textures, enjoy looking at pictures.
  • Advancing further: Explore objects through touch, taste, smell, and hearing, begin to make marks with a crayon if held.
• Toddlers (1-2 years):
  • Beginning: Enjoy scribbling, respond physically to music (swaying, bouncing).
  • Moving On: Engage in simple pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll), experiment with different art materials (e.g., finger paint).
  • Advancing further: Imitate actions and sounds, create simple constructions with blocks, show preference for certain songs or artistic activities.
• Young Children (2-3 years):
  • Beginning: Create recognizable scribbles and drawings (e.g., a "person"), participate in simple action songs and rhymes.
  • Moving On: Engage in more elaborate pretend play, begin to use props in dramatic play, explore different musical instruments (toy instruments).
  • Advancing further: Express ideas through drawing or painting, move rhythmically to music, build complex structures, solve simple problems creatively.
• Towards Grade R (3-4 years/ages 4-6 if this is the focus for Khula):
  • Visual Arts: Experiment with various art materials (paint, clay, collage), draw recognizable objects and people, use colors creatively, talk about their artwork.
  • Music and Dance: Sing action songs and rhymes with increasing accuracy, perform body percussion, move rhythmically to music, engage in free dancing, play simple musical games.
  • Drama and Role-Play: Engage in imaginative and elaborate role-play, create simple stories during play, use props to enhance their dramatic scenarios, express emotions and ideas through acting.
  • Experimentation: Show curiosity and willingness to experiment with new materials and ideas in all creative areas.
  • Problem-Solving: Use creative thinking to find solutions during play and artistic endeavors.

Examples of Activities for Adults to Promote Creativity:

• Provide a wide range of art materials (crayons, paints, clay, recycled items).
• Play various types of music and encourage movement and dance.
• Encourage dramatic play by providing dress-up clothes and props.
• Ask open-ended questions about their creations (e.g., "Tell me about your painting").
• Encourage children to experiment and explore materials without fear of making mistakes.
• Tell stories together, inviting children to contribute ideas for plots and characters.
• Provide opportunities for sensory play (sand, water, playdough).