Lesson Plans for Creative Development for Toddlers

Toddlers are naturally curious about the world around them. Their curiosity can be guided by structured lesson plans that help develop their creativity. Creativity is an important part of being a toddler, and being human. It allows us to express our feelings and thoughts in new ways. Toddlers should be encouraged to express their imaginations on paper and should be given positive reinforcement for their accomplishments.

  1. Painting and Drawing

    • Encourage toddlers to use their imaginations to create some one-of-a-kind art pieces. Ask children to draw or paint a picture of what they will look like as an adult or how they think an alien might look. These assignments will not only spark a child's imagination, but will help him learn to express himself in a tangible way. Other creative assignments include asking the child to draw a picture of a car from the future or to invent and draw a picture of a machine that does all the household chores.

    Creative Play

    • Creative play should be implemented into toddler lesson plans. Provide ordinary objects such as cardboard boxes, wooden spoons and cooking pots and let children play. Directed play might be appropriate at times, but free playtime should also be encouraged. Directed play can be used to help a child comprehend a subject or explore new ideas about a certain topic. For instance, a teacher may want children to pretend they live in the rain forest and can provide some silk trees or a wall mural with a rain forest image. Free playtime is when materials are provided for children, but no directive is given. Toddlers can make up their own scenarios with the material provided.

    Music

    • Music is an important creative expression. Provide musical instruments or help toddlers make their own out of simple materials such as pots, pans, spoons and dried beans in a container. Play a variety of music for children to listen to. Let them use their instruments to play along with the music. Encourage singing and creative movement while playing and listening to music. Have children listen for difference in tempo and beat between different musical pieces.

    Other Ideas

    • Consider taking toddlers on a field trip to help develop their creative minds. Some possible creative field trips include a children's museum, artist's studio tour or an outdoor sculpture garden. Ask children to draw pictures of the things they have seen on the field trip.

      Have toddlers experiment with a variety of creative materials such as paint, crayons, paper, and clay. Allow them to use these materials to create the likenesses of everyday objects or to create something entirely born in their imaginations.

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