Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Creativity and the Arts

The emphasis in this domain is on children’s engagement with the arts both actively and receptively. The component areas of creating, responding, and evaluating recognize how using and appreciating the arts enables children to demonstrate what they know and allows them to expand their thinking about creative endeavors.

Strategies community members and policymakers can use to promote development in children's creativity and the arts.

Children Show Progress in Creating When They:*

  1. Use a variety of media and materials for exploration and creative expression
  2. Participate in art and music experiences
  3. Participate in creative movement, drama, and dance

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's curiosity.

Children Show Progress in Responding When They:*

  1. Show others and/or talk about what they have made or done
  2. Show interest and respect for the creative work of self and others

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's risk taking.

Children Show Progress in Evaluating When They:*

  1. Share experiences, ideas, and thoughts about art and creative expression
  2. Share opinions about likes and dislikes in art and creative expression

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's risk taking.

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period of ages three to five. They are based on expectations for children approximately four years of age.