Challenges Of Creativity And Competence Of Children In Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Early childhood education institutions focus on preschools, kindergartens, and practical schools that educate young children. A preschool education program has been developed to provide a rich learning experience for children in preschools and to promote healthy growth. Creativity is the foundation of a preschool curriculum and can be defined as a way of creating original things. Preschool teachers need to provide children with materials to stimulate their imagination, provide opportunities to imagine and explain their ideas, value children’s individuality, and encourage their different perspectives and also educators should be more attentive and responsible to increase children’s different competences that can be related to the education for their future. They should also encourage children to participate in creative games, take care of and appreciate children’s new products. It is also important to value children’s creativity, and to give children confidence. This study aims to examine the creativity of preschool children. The study used a simple causal design with pre- and post-test tests involving a single group. Participants consisted of 184 children (96 boys, 88 girls) studying in preschools and kindergartens under the Ministry of Education in Ankara during the 2014-2015 academic year. Forms A and B of the Torrance tests of creative thinking were used as pre- and post-tests. The results showed that the preschool education program had a positive impact on children’s creativity. Early childhood education institutions focus on preschools, kindergartens, and practical schools that educate young children. A preschool education program has been developed to provide a rich learning experience for children in preschools and to promote healthy growth. Creativity is the foundation of a preschool curriculum and can be defined as a way of creating original things. Preschool teachers need to provide children with materials to stimulate their imagination, provide opportunities to imagine and explain their ideas, value children’s individuality, and encourage their different perspectives and also educators should be more attentive and responsible to increase children’s different competences that can be related to the education for their future. They should also encourage children to participate in creative games, take care of and appreciate children’s new products. It is also important to value children’s creativity, and to give children confidence. This study aims to examine the creativity of preschool children. The study used a simple causal design with pre- and post-test tests involving a single group. Participants consisted of 184 children (96 boys, 88 girls) studying in preschools and kindergartens under the Ministry of Education in Ankara during the 2014-2015 academic year. Forms A and B of the Torrance tests of creative thinking were used as pre- and post-tests. The results showed that the preschool education program had a positive impact on children’s creativity.