Promoting creativity in early childhood education

The preschool stage, which is defined as the stage from birth to the time the child starts pri- mary education, and a time when the child acquires the psychomotor, social- emotional, cog- nitive and linguistic development that will play an important role in children’s life, and a developmental and educational process during which the character of the child is shaped with the education provided by the parents and pre- school institutions [1–6] is the most critical period in life as it affects the future life of the child in terms of knowledge, skills, gaining habits and developing these traits. The preschoolperiod is a stage when mental development and syn- aptic connections are experienced the fastest and highest [7]. Mental development plays an important role during the preschool stage for the cognitive, linguistic, motor, social and emo- tional development of children. Children grow rapidly in the preschool stage—the first six years of their life display rapid results in developmental areas [8]. This enables the child to realise herself/himself and become a productive member of society. The preschool period is the stage which is most affected by environmental factors. In this respect, the environment affects the preschool child and facili- tates learning motivation for children who are in this stage. The child’s ability to discover and learn is closely related to how supportive the child’s environment is, and which opportunities are presented to the child [7]. The child, who matures and becomes competent rapidly, realises her/his own potential

and starts to become a productive individual. Creativity has a prominent impact on how the child develops herself/ himself. Creativity and judgement skills enable individuals to consider problems using different views, to create new products as well as enabling them to reach a decision by forming cause- effect relationships [9]. It is necessary to create new ideas and consider events in a different way, and create new solutions to a problem. It is also important to respect different ideas [10]. It is going beyond the presented knowledge in order tocreate something authentic by using methods which are not traditional. It is defined as the skill to create innovative and authentic solutions to problematic situations by realizing problems and shortcomings within the light of experiences [11], and it may be said that it makes the child self- confident and independent and enables her/ him to develop herself/ himself and the environment, makes the child responsible towards her/his environment, makes them productive and sensitive individuals. Creativity can be enhanced by creating connections between similar or different areas [12]. Preschool children may activate their creative think- ing skills when they use an object for a different purpose, when they find an extraordinary solution to a problem, while displaying motor skills, when day dreaming, while forming an emotional relationship with a peer or an adult, or in other situations which require a creative process [13]. Children who have suitable conditions for using and practicing their creative thinking

actively may strengthen their cognitive skills. These conditions also contribute to the children’s social skills development such as discovering their emotions and values, understanding their own cultures and other cultures, thinking, and communicating with others [14]. Thus, differ- ent teaching approaches that will increase children’s motivation and cultural understanding could support creativity [15]. Creativity is a phenomenon needed and used in all stages of life, is a prominent factor in the development and advancement of society. In societies which have individuals who have high levels of creativity and who can use creative thinking effectively, the level of welfare increases and the opportunities for people depending on their interests and talents are equally higher. There is a positive relationship between the educational backgrounds of people and the increase in their creativity. In order to maintain progress, guarantee advancement and to have a good place in life, individuals need to get the opportunities to strengthen creativity both in the family and at home starting from the preschool stage. In PLOS ONE Creativity in early childhood PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294915 December 6, 2023 2 / 21