Children’s Imagination

110 Pages • P/B
ISBN 9780975772232

Creativity Under Our Noses

Is today’s pressure on parents and teachers sidelining children’s play? Artist and educator Ursula Kolbe opens our eyes and ears to what’s happening ‘under our noses’ when children play—with anything from seedpods to felt-tip pens or even an iPad. Kolbe’s stories reveal that unstructured and unhurried play—as neuroscientists, psychologists and educators have long said—encourages children to become imaginative and inventive thinkers.

By looking at children’s responses to the unexpected in play, Children’s Imagination: Creativity Under Our Noses uncovers valuable clues to what sparks creativity in us all.

‘Inspiring and a joy to read. Ursula Kolbe reveals the importance of paying attention to the myriad possibilities that children find in everyday materials and provides insights into their thinking. She encourages the adult to be present—not in control or with outcomes in mind—but rather to participate as needed and to appreciate the wonder that children find in their play.’

Wendy Shepherd, Director,
Mia-Mia Child and Family Study Centre,
Macquarie University, Sydney

Contents

Introduction

Part One:
What Sparks Children’s Imagination
Found Surprises
Enticing Spaces
Together in the Moment
Graphic Exploration: A Universal Form of Play
‘Nothing is Born of Nothing’

Part Two: Nourishing and Supporting
Creative Thinking
Learning From Children
Reflections to Build On
Time, Space and Materials

Final Words
Practical Matters
Notes
Further Reading
Index