What is National Creativity Day about?

Why is Creative Play Essential in Early Years?

Provides Physical Development
Creative play often involves handson, active movement where children are building, pouring, stacking, mark-making, or role playing. These actions build fine motor skills like gripping, drawing, and manipulating tools and gross motor skills (like balancing, climbing, and jumping). When children dig in a sandpit, stir in a mud kitchen, or manouver materials in the construction zone, they're developing coordination which is crucial foundations for later learning such as handwriting and sports.

Curiosity & Love of Learning
Open-ended, creative play inspires exploration and discovery. It sparks questions like “What happens if I do this?” and encourages experimentation. This curiosity is at the heart of learning. Whether children are experimenting with water flow at a water wall or combining natural materials in a mud kitchen, they’re developing scientific thinking and becoming confident, independent learners.

Mental Wellbeing & Emotional Expression
Creative environments give children a healthy, safe outlet for their feelings. Whether they’re pretending to be a doctor, creating art, or playing music, these experiences support emotional regulation and build self-esteem. Being free to express emotions through imaginative play helps children understand their own feelings and develop empathy for others which is key for lifelong emotional wellbeing.

Social Skills & Team Work
Creative play often involves collaboration by taking turns, negotiating roles, sharing resources, or working toward a shared goal. In these moments, children learn cooperation, teamwork, conflict resolution, and respect for others’ ideas. Whether it’s building a sandcastle together or performing in a role play shelter, creative spaces foster the social skills that set the tone for successful relationships and group learning.