Let me assure her that in my work as a childcare tutor, I have seen many nursery workers carry out these types of activity to perfection while the children who are supposed to be doing the work sit and watch them!
I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of creative activities I have been able to use with the various groups I have worked with, without considerable modification. My heart sinks when I read such phrases as 'Help the children to make...', or 'Ask the children to draw...'
The Foundation Stage curriculum guidance on creativity is very explicit children should be encouraged to plan and carry out their own original work.
It's tempting to 'help' a pro-school child to do something far beyond their ability because it will look lovely on the wall, or will impress their parent.
However, all too often the 'help' we offer prevents the child from attempting activities independently and taking responsibility for their own choices.
Children who are given intensive adult 'help' during creative activities learn that they can't use glue, can't cut with scissors, can't choose colours and materials.
Childcare and education workers should aim to give children opportunities to practise techniques and make creative decisions without the pressure to produce 'something nice to take home'.
Kay Stead, Tewkesbury,
Worcestershire
Editor's note: Nursery World strives to avoid over-emphasising end product, and we have introduced child-initiated sections In projects to fit in with Foundation Stage guidance.
