Enhancing creativity through play: A discussion of parental and environmental factors

Abstract

Numerous writers have hypothesized a distinct relationship between creativity and play #opSlobin, 1964; Jackson & Messick, 1965; Wallach & Kogan, 1965; Lieberman, 1965; Sutton‐Smith, 1966, 1967; Almy, I967; Klinger, 1969; Wallach, 1970; and Wenar, 1971#cp. Mansell #op1980#cp asserts that creative thought is based on play and that although not all play is creative, all creativity contains play. Iverson #op1982#cp concurs with this notion and adds that the ability to take a playful outlook is an important part of the creative process.

This paper endeavors to investigate play as it relates to the development and expression of creativity in preschool youngsters. Definitions of creativity and play will be established to lay the foundation for the discussion which follows. Specifically, this paper will examine the role of parents and the environment in the development and nurturance of creativity in young children. The writer will conclude with a discussion which focuses upon direct educational implications which may be logically derived from the findings uncovered within this paper.

Key Words:

• Enhancing Creativity
• Play