Essay from Abdirashidova Ozoda

Young Central Asian woman with a white headscarf and blue top standing in front of a white plush chair and some white flowers.

Formation of creativity and thinking in preschool children

Abstract

This article analyzes the theoretical foundations of the process of forming creativity and thinking in preschool children, pedagogical conditions, and advanced approaches used in world practice. The importance of play activities, art, fiction, modern information technologies, and parental cooperation in the development of creative thinking in children is highlighted.

Keywords:

creativity, thinking, preschool education, innovative methods, STEAM, creative environment, world experience.

Input

In the context of today’s globalization, the development of human capital, the formation of a broad-minded and creative personality is one of the priorities of state policy. In particular, the preschool period is a decisive stage in the personal development of a child, in which the formation of creativity and thinking directly affects the effectiveness of future education and social activity.

According to the scientific views of psychologists J. Piaget, L.S. Vygotsky, E. Torrens, the period from 3 to 6 years is considered the period of active formation of a child’s thinking and imagination. During this period, the child not only acquires knowledge, but also forms their own views, strives for independent thinking. Therefore, ensuring the development of creative thinking in the preschool education system is one of the most pressing tasks of modern pedagogy.

Main part

The concepts of creativity and thinking are interpreted differently in pedagogical and psychological literature. Creativity allows a child to create something new,

if there is an ability to freely express one’s ideas, then thinking is its ability to comprehend reality, draw logical conclusions, and

means the activity of finding solutions in problematic situations. In preschool age, these two processes develop harmoniously.

The role of game activity in the formation of creativity is invaluable. Role-playing games enrich the child’s social experience.

allows you to try out roles and find creative solutions. Construction-games and constructors allow a child to develop spatial thinking and engineering skills.

develops their abilities. In the “Kodomo Challenge” program, used in Japan, children encounter problem situations through play,

to independently find a solution.

Art activity is also an important means of developing creativity. Through drawing, handicrafts, music, and singing, the child develops their own

expresses feelings, enriches imagination. According to UNESCO, the widespread use of artistic activities in preschool children

develops their aesthetic taste and intellectual potential. Also, methods of reading and compiling fairy tales, figurative thinking of the child.

and is an effective tool for enriching speech.

In addition, national values and traditional games also play an important role in the development of creativity. For example, folk tales

singing national songs and playing folk games broadens a child’s worldview and strengthens their national self-awareness.

Handicraft activities – carpet weaving, making items from clay, and the use of national ornaments not only develop the child’s creative abilities,

but also develops patience and fine motor skills.

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) approach is of great importance in the modern educational process. USA, Finland

and STEAM projects in preschool institutions in South Korea allow children to experience simple experiences, technological activities, and creativity.

through assignments, they learn new approaches. STEAM elements are also being gradually introduced in Uzbekistan, and this creativity

serves as an effective tool for developing thinking.

Information technologies are another effective tool for supporting creative thinking. Interactive programs, virtual constructors and

educational cartoons arouse children’s interest, directing them to create something new. However, excessive technology addiction is a child’s

), it should be used in moderation.

In the formation of creative thinking, the cooperation of parents and educators is of great importance. Creating a creative atmosphere in the family, free for the child

asking questions and supporting their interests stimulates independent thinking in the child. The teacher is creative in the lessons.

By applying assignments and valuing the child’s thoughts, they reveal their abilities. Parents and children in the experience of Israel

joint participation in classes and joint implementation of creative activities yielded good results.

From a psychological point of view, creating an environment that encourages creativity is very

is important. Search for news without fear of mistakes

If they have the opportunity, they can freely demonstrate their abilities. Therefore, educators and parents should not allow the child to make mistakes.

Instead of punishing them, they should teach them to accept it as an experiment. This approach increases the child’s self-confidence and creativity.

directs.

Also, various international pedagogical approaches – Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf systems – are aimed at developing the creative abilities of children.

is widely used in development. For example, in the Montessori method, the child is given freedom and chooses activities according to their interests.

In the Reggio Emilia approach, creative forms of expression are widely used based on the principle that “a child is the owner of a hundred languages.” In the Waldorf method, art

and nature, creative abilities are developed.

As practical recommendations, it is possible to organize small projects for the development of creative thinking in children. For example, family album

creation, staging small performances, observing natural phenomena and discussing the results, conducting simple experiments – all of this

increases the child’s creative interests. At the same time, creative tasks allow the child to make independent decisions, work in a group.

strengthens their skills and social activity.

In general, the formation of creativity and thinking is a multifaceted process, in which games, art, national values, modern technologies,

high effectiveness is achieved only through the harmonious application of parental and educator cooperation, as well as international pedagogical experience.

Conclusion

The formation of creativity and thinking in preschool children is of great importance in their personal, intellectual, and social development. Studies show that children raised in a creative environment are characterized by high academic performance, independent thinking, and a striving for innovation later in school.

Despite the fact that significant reforms are being carried out in the preschool education system of Uzbekistan, the study and implementation of world experience will further improve the process. In particular, important tasks include increasing the methodological literacy of educators, the widespread introduction of STEAM approaches, promoting the creation of a creative environment in family education, and providing preschool educational institutions with modern didactic tools.

Thus, the development of creativity and thinking in preschool age not only increases the effectiveness of the educational process, but also serves to strengthen the intellectual and innovative potential of society.

References

1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Measures for the Fundamental Improvement of the Preschool Education System.” – Тошкент, 2017.

2. State Program of Preschool Education “Ilk Kadam.” – Tashkent: Ministry of Preschool Education, 2018.

3. Vygotsky, L.S. Imagination and Creativity in Childhood. – Moscow: Prosveshcheniye, 1991.

Piaget, J. The Language and Thought of the Child. New York: Routledge, 2005.

5. Torrance, E.P. *Creativity: Prospects for the Twenty-First Century*. Westport, 1993.

Gardner, H. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, 2011.

7. Runco, M.A., & Acar, S. Divergent Thinking as an Indicator of Creative Potential. Creativity Research Journal, 2012, 24 (1).

8. Sawyer, R.K. Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation. – Oxford University Press, 2012.

Craft, A. Creativity in Education. London: Continuum, 2005.

Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach. – Тошкент, 2012.

Robinson, K. Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative. – Тошкент, 2021.

12. UNESCO. Arts Education for the Development of the Whole Child. – Тошкент, 2019.

13. Ministry of Preschool Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Innovative approaches in preschool education. – Тошкент, 2021.

14. Kim, K.H. The Creativity Crisis: The Decrease in Creative Thinking Scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Creativity Research Journal.

15. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026.” – Тошкент, 2022.

Abdirashidova Ozoda, Born in Chiraqchi district of Kashkadarya region, studied at the Pedagogical Faculty of Karshi State University, majoring in Preschool Education. Ambassador and member of international organizations. Holder of international certificates.

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