Promoting creativity in early childhood education

attention to the social aspect of creativity and creative thinking. In fact, there are other studies which present opinions that children in classes of extremely traditional teachers may experi- ence problems expressing themselves, and that this situation may hinder creativity [10]. If teachers are flexible in their attitudes towards children, and if they pay attention to the individ- ual traits of children, children will be able express themselves easily, and this will strengthen the social function of creativity in children. Within the second theme, which includes opinions on supporting creativity and creative thinking in children, teachers and teacher candidates mentioned the prominence of techniques that would attract the attention and interest of children during activities conducted with them. Leaving children in the middle of a problematic situation, motivating them to use an object for different purposes or asking them to complete a story are among the practices that may be car- ried out to support creativity. The participants stated that there are technology-based tech- niques that can be used to promote creativity in addition to techniques based on communication. Akbaba and Kaya [30], who pointed out that such techniques may be used to enhance the creativity of children by maintaining their interest and curiosity, conducted research with teachers to promote the thinking skills of children. In this research, preschool teachers stated that they mainly used methods and techniques such as hands- on learning,

demonstrations, projects, games, and the question and answer to enable students to achieve thinking skills. There are the opinions of teachers and teacher candidates which state that using different methods (i.e. arts) to promote creativity and creative thinking in the preschool stage will pro- vide positive contributions [31]. In their suggestions regarding in class activities and out of class activities to be conducted with children, teachers have concentrated on conducting activi- ties that offer different options to children rather than standard and monotonous activities. Creativity and creative thinking may yield more development when people break the mold. Teachers developing attitudes that enable their students to express themselves comfortably is one of the most important factors that would eliminate the obstacles hindering creativity [32]. In the findings of the study conducted by Yenilmez and Yolcu [10] regarding the attitudes of teachers in classes on the promotion of creative thinking skills in children, it was stated that children should be given the opportunity to express their thoughts, and that their thoughts should be respected. It has been emphasized that families should contribute as much as possible during in class and out of class activities. Supporting the child strongly both in the home and at school is a very important factor that accelerates the development of creativity. Chatting to the children about activities during out of class activities, and asking them open-ended questions about the

process may enrich their thinking and their mind. Making suggestions to the family to have this point of view while communicating with the child may give the children an opportunity to enhance their creativity throughout the day. The teachers stated opinions which show that if families participate actively during this process, they may provide positive contributions to the child. Mutlu and Aktan [33] stated that educational programs which are directed towards think- ing, and with which the teacher, family and children support and complement each other dur- ing preschool education should be prepared. The preschool teachers participating in the study also stated that creativity and creative thinking play an important role in activities which the families do with their children. It is important to include activities that address different senses for activities conducted in the class, and getting the attention of children. In a study conducted earlier [8] it was found out that a teacher needs to discover the different traits of children by observing them carefully, PLOS ONE Creativity in early childhood PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294915 December 6, 2023 18 / 21