Student reflections on the place of creativity in Early Years practice: Reflections on second year work placement experience

Abstract

This research has investigated student’s reflections on the place of creativity in early years practice with an emphasis on their second year of placement. It has developed from previous research conducted with first year students on a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree at an East Midlands university in the United Kingdom. Within this research student reflections have been captured in order to assist them to consider their observations on the value placed on creativity and how this is interpreted within practice both within early years and education settings. The study identified that both creative teaching and teaching for creativity were seen within the settings the students attended. Limitations were highlighted in relation to the value placed on creativity within these settings and the recognition of the consequences this can have on children in being unable to express their individuality and uniqueness. Lastly the research sought to explore the impact of a first year module ‘Play and Creativity’ on students own creative abilities and their practice with children. Findings indicate that the module positively influenced students’ creative capabilities and also the promotion and encouragement of creative abilities in children