At first glance, a messy painting session or a lively singalong might just seem like fun and games. But in reality, creative activities like art, music and dance play a crucial role in a young child’s development. At nursery, we embrace creativity as an essential part of early years education — helping children grow in confidence, communication and imagination.
Creative expression: how art, music and dance support your child’s development
Here’s why creative expression matters so much for little ones:
- Building communication skills
Long before they can express themselves fully with words, children use art and movement as ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Through painting, drawing, or clapping along to a song, they learn to tell their own stories and share their ideas with others. These early communication experiences build important foundations for language development and social skills.
- Boosting emotional wellbeing
Creative activities give children a safe outlet to explore and express their emotions.
Whether they’re splashing bright colours across a page or twirling around to music, children can release feelings they might not yet have the words for. Art and dance can be wonderfully calming, helping children manage big emotions like excitement, frustration or sadness in a healthy way.
- Developing physical skills
Art, music and dance also support children’s physical development.
- Fine motor skills are strengthened when children grasp paintbrushes, manipulate clay, or scribble with crayons.
- Gross motor skills are enhanced through dancing, marching, or clapping rhythms.
These physical movements help to build strength, coordination and body awareness — all essential for everyday tasks like writing, dressing and playing.
- Encouraging creativity and problem-solving
Creative play sparks imagination. It encourages children to think differently, experiment, and find new ways to express themselves.
When a child decides to paint a purple sun or invent their own dance moves, they’re learning to trust their instincts, think independently, and solve problems creatively — skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
- Fostering social connections
Singing in a group, putting on a little show, or working together on a giant mural teaches children the joys of collaboration.
They learn important social lessons like taking turns, sharing ideas, and respecting each other’s contributions. These experiences help build friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
How we celebrate creativity at nursery
At Rock A Tots we weave art, music and dance into everyday life.
- Art activities include painting, collage, sensory exploration and junk modelling.
- Music sessions involve singing, exploring instruments and moving to rhythms.
- Dance and movement are encouraged both indoors and outdoors, often inspired by stories or themes the children are learning about.
We value the creative process far more than the finished product. It’s not about perfect pictures or polished performances — it’s about joy, exploration, and self-expression.
Simple ways to encourage creativity at home
- Keep a box of art supplies handy — crayons, paper, stickers and paints.
- Play a variety of music and dance around together.
- Join in creative activities without worrying about the mess or the outcome.
- Celebrate your child’s imaginative ideas – no matter how wild or wonderful!
If you’d like more inspiration on how to get creative with your child at home then contact your Key Worker for some topic ideas.