Creative Arts

You always knew there was an artist in the family.

At this age, she may well be acting out dramatic scenes, pretending to be all kinds of fabulous characters, and even seeing art in the everyday world around her.

Your Pre-Kindergartener

While she may not be quite ready to sketch a realistic portrait of the family dog, her skills are progressing quickly. The colors and shapes in other artworks are probably catching her eye, and she could even be starting to use them in her own art.

Music, too, is increasingly important in her world. Soon she’ll be ready to memorize short songs to sing and keep a steady beat. For now, though, it’s more about responding to what she likes and what gets her body moving.

That movement is also getting more purposeful, as her dance skills improve. Now she’s choosing moves that show what she’s feeling or thinking – and she doesn’t necessarily need there to be any music playing.

She’s on a path to enjoy and engage in all kinds of art for years to come.

I Like Music – Especially Mine!

By now, your child has heard music in lots of places—whether it’s tunes on the radio or silly songs from the people in his life. Now, he can sing some on his own! He can also make up new rhythms with “instruments,” whether it’s a real drum set or just your pots and pans. His creativity is coming out through his voice, and through all the wonderful other noises he can now create.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Music should be a natural part of learning, from singing to dancing. You might see songs used during transition time, clapping jam sessions or group activities like sing-alongs. No matter the form of music, children should have the chance to express themselves by picking songs or exploring their individual voice.
I’ll Show You How I Feel

Since she was a baby, your child has moved to the music. Now she can express herself through movement – even if no song is playing. Because she knows how to say “I’m excited” or “I’m sad” with her body, her feelings can come through with no words at all.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Do pre-K students get to express themselves through dance? Look for props like scarves, ribbons or streamers to enhance their moves. Dance parties are another great way to explore movement!
My Art is A Story!

Now that he can stick with a drawing or model a little longer, your child’s visual art is becoming more complex. He can also cooperate with others to turn his ideas into lines, shapes and colors. Celebrate what he makes, even if it’s sometimes hard to make out (“Does this dog have wings?”), and set aside some wall space for a growing gallery of work!

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

From crayons to water colors to glue… is there a wide variety of creative materials available? Children should have lots of chances -- and encouragement from teachers -- to use them to create mini masterpieces.
I Can Be Anybody

Your child is likely to be using role-play to act out the stories in her head. Whether she’s acting as part of a daring rescue mission or even just imitating a household pet, her characters are getting into some great adventures.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Do you see children using a variety of objects to retell a story, a book character, or a part of their everyday life? When children have the chance to "play house" or act like a superhero, they are learning more about dramatic play!

Ideas to Learn and Play Together!

From bedtime to playtime your child is always learning. Check out these family-time ideas for building their skills -- and your family connections. All children learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way. For more information about the skills and milestones for your child's age check out our developmental milestones resource page. If you continue to have concerns or questions please give us a call at 1-800-299-1627.

Who Are You Today?

Your little one tries out all kinds of roles at this age. “I am superhero and queen!” Play along and enjoy their dive into this imaginary world — even taking them to the store or grandmas in their costume! Use whatever is on hand, an old pillow case works for a cape or a ball gown. Pretending to be a firefighter, police officer or chef can be loads of fun too! Just supply a hat or tools of the trade. A firefighter can use a sweeper hose to put out flames. An officer can have a fancy badge made out of foil. And a chef just needs some bowls and spoons. Playing along as a grown-up is half the fun!
Junk Art

Ever heard of junk art? It’s fun and can keep your little one busy for hours. Gather items such as paper towel tubes, styrofoam pieces, small boxes, ribbons, colored paper and more. Add glue, tape or paint to the mix. Then, invite your child to make a 3-D sculpture. Maybe it’s a boat or a box-asoraus. Perhaps, it’s abstract contemporary art! Encourage independence by letting your child work on their own. Offer to help where needed, but mini-masterpieces can be a mostly solo adventure.
It's All About the Music!

Exploring music is a great way to build creative skills. Play different types of music: classical, jazz, hip hop and rock and roll. Everyone can dance along! Then, explore the music further with questions. “How did that make you feel? Happy? Sad? Excited?” Or explore music as a movement motivator: “Does it make you want to sway? Run? Jump?”