Young Children's Creativity and Pretend Play

Abstract

Creativity theory draws upon many definitions that evolve from a divergent psychological thought. Although the majority of the definitions have been challenged, experts agree on their descriptions of creative individuals. Creativity characterizes such performances as rational thinking; high levels of emotional development or feelings; talent and high levels of mental and physical development; and higher levels of consciousness, resulting in use of imagery, fantasy, and breakthroughs to the preconscious or unconscious states. The concerns in today's society demand creative and novel resolutions, which require creative thinking and problem solving. Theorists and researchers have attempted to define creativity, suggesting that creativity can be learned and taught. Creativity studies justify the development of educational creativity training programs. Teachers can promote the children's creative thinking capacities by providing an environment that contributes to their creative thinking potentials that will or will not flourish in the children's development of creativity. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Ltd.