The relationship between creativity, social play, and children's language abilities

Abstract

In this study, we explore the interconnectedness between children's creativity, social play, and language abilities. The participants were 225 (109 girls, 116 boys) preschool children, from diverse European American, African American, and Hispanic ethnic heritages. We assessed the children in three ways. First, each child completed the Goodenough Harris Draw a Person task as a measure of creativity. Second, we recorded observations of children's social play using time sampling techniques and Howes and Matheson's Peer Play Scale. Finally, performance on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-IV) served as a measure of receptive vocabulary. Correlation analyses revealed a clear relationship between certain types of social play and creativity. For example, higher incidences of solitary, onlooker, and parallel aware play appeared to connect to lower creativity scores. In addition, children's receptive or hearing vocabulary related to specific types of social play, that is, higher instances of parallel play led to lower receptive language scores. In addition, setting shaped language abilities. For example, in one setting, complex relates to increased vocabulary abilities. In contrast, in another setting, simple social and parallel play relates to lower language scores. These findings suggest a positive relationship between children's language abilities, creativity, and play. Such studies help inform classroom curriculum and practice.

Children’s creative thinking abilities and social orientations in Finnish early childhood education and care

“…At the same time, they are processes that have an intrinsic value (FNAE, 2018, p. 58). A positive relationship has been proven between play and children's creativity (Holmes, Romeo, Ciraola, & Grushko, 2015;Russ, 2016;Russ & Dillon, 2011). Childreńs play promotes the affective and cognitive processes, which are critical in their creativity (Saracho, 2012, p. 18).…”

“…According to Bateson (2014), the link of play to creativity and hence to innovation in humans is strong. Fostering creativity also enhances other competency and skills, such as language abilities (Holmes et al, 2015) and social skills (John, Cameron, & Bartel, 2016).…”

Jednocząc serce i umysł. Omówienie zasad kształcenia przedszkolnego

“…As far as play is concerned, children do not think that it is separate from their life careers but instead that it is a career for life. In other words, play to children is the same as work is to adults 37 . Children commit to play not because it is an easily done task but rather they enjoy it because it is challenging.…”

Cognition application in preschool teaching and learning through communication component in national standard preschool curriculum

“…In addition, language development can be promoted through activities like drama, poetry, social play, watching video or listening to music (Nachiappan, 2015;Holmes et al, 2015;Holmes and Romeo, 2013;Meacham et al, 2013). Holmes and Romeo (2013) found that gender and administration of the preschool is a factor that influenced language abilities and students' social games.…”