August 26, 2021
"There are about a dozen traditional play patterns," says Cheri Sterman, director, education, Crayola. "Some focus on physical activity (e.g., rough and tumble play) while games with rules tend to be part of the mastery play pattern (e.g., chess and sports), where the goal is to advance a score. Creative play is different because it does not have pre-scribed rules, is rarely scored and is driven by the child or playgroup, not established precedents. At Crayola, we like to say, 'When something is created, something bigger happens.' Whenever you create something, you put a part of yourself in it. Your painting, sketch or original song is based on your original ideas. That is very empowering for children. People tend to remember experiences that elicit strong emotions. Creative play allows children to express their feelings in safe and meaningful ways – so these are significant experiences in every child's development."
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"Creative self-expression is part of our human DNA," says Sterman. "Watch young children take sticks and draw in the sand. They are hard-wired to make marks that show what they think and feel. Young children know they are artists, but their creative confidence can begin to wane at around ages 8-10 if their self-expression is not encouraged. Around this age, kids become self-conscious and question if their drawings are 'good enough.' Honoring the creative genius in children and providing them with age-appropriate tools that engage them will keep their creative mindsets growing."
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