Yuki
Deputy Head of Early Years
Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
Imagination runs wild in young children, and it is driven by emotion. Therefore, how to help children develop their perceptual abilities and thereby develop their imagination. Here are three suggestions.
1
Explore the world through the senses
To exercise children’s aesthetic appreciation, we can guide them in using their five senses. There are a number of tools that children can use to do this.
Magnifying glasses and microscopes
Magnifying glasses and microscopes are useful tools that can help children observe their surroundings in greater detail. The microscopic world is so wonderful and eye-opening that it can bring creative inspiration to children and encourage them to explore in greater depth.
Binoculars and cameras can bring greater clarity to distant scenes. These implements will teach them to cultivate greater powers of observation.
Mirrors and kaleidoscopes enable children to see the world from different angles and perceive commonplace items from a different angle. They promote motor skills and perceptual development.
2
Get outdoors
The natural environment is a source of endless stimuli. Encourage your child to examine flowers and plants or play in the dirt and sand.
Outdoor historical attractions are also great places to stimulate the imagination.
3
Encourage curiosity through play
Adults should not limit children's desire to explore as they are naturally curious about things around them and like to explore new environment.
If your child has a strong curiosity about something, you can try to meet their curiosity when ensuring their safety. Allowing children to focus on the process of playing can help them create new ideas.
The world is an open book full of opportunities for discovery. Take every opportunity to cultivate your child’s powers of perception and observation. By stimulating these senses, your child will learn to harness the power of imagination.
