What is Creating and Thinking Critically?

This Characteristic of Effective Learning looks at the ways in which young children explore the world around them and the people in it.  It is all about the ways in which children have their own ideas, how they make links in their learning and experiences and the different ways they choose to do things.

Why is Creating and Thinking Critically important?

Through leaning in this way young children have the opportunities to develop confidence and rehearse new skills.  It also provides ways of understanding, trying out and transferring ideas.  Creative processes and different ways of doing things can be developed through play.  Problem solving skills and making decisions about how to approach a task are all important life skills that can be learnt through thinking creatively and critically.

What does Creating and Thinking Critically look like in the EYFS?

It is important that a strong emotional environment is provided so children feel secure to take safe risks and try new ideas.  There needs to be enabling conditions for rich play and talk.  Children also need linked experiences to enable them to make connections in their learning.

Sustained Shared Thinking Time

Children need lots of opportunities for sustained shared thinking and talk times.  These should be free from interruptions and provide children with consistent time to make links and connections in their learning.

Are young children losing their creativity?

A lot of recent research states that children lose their creativity as they go through their school life.  This is not because children are becoming less creative the problem is with the creative opportunities they are being exposed to.  It is therefore extremely important children are given every opportunity to develop these essential skills.  A creative and critical thinker will form new ideas and ways of thinking.  Creativity is a necessity for acquiring all future new knowledge and learning.

Want to get more creative?

For more ideas on how to develop creating and thinking critically skills in your EYFS provision please get in touch.  I can help you with many ideas for developing these creative processes in young children.  How to provide a rich creative environment and enabling children to make connections and links in learning is something I can help with.