You can develop creativity by experimenting, exploring, questioning assumptions, using imagination, and processing information. Creativity is similar to learning a sport; it requires practice and a supportive environment to thrive.
For infants and young children, the brain's elasticity and rapid neural formation make learning languages and developing creative ideas easier. Elasticity is the brain's capability to re-route or re-wire to enhance thinking. Some individuals possess a "Creative Eye," which means that when they see something, they are motivated to create a version of it or think of how to use it.
Toys are often used to replicate real-life events.
Creativity can be taught, and toys can greatly aid young children. For instance, consider an 8-year-old boy who receives a small Lionel train set. Do they associate their thoughts about the train set with the actual trains in the countryside or on road trips with their parents? Do they envision a train station, bridges, tunnels, and terrain that could be built around the train tracks? Do they have relatives or neighbors who may have worked on trains and could give input on the new Lionel train set layout? The right gifts and toys can open doors to creativity, but is more required to mentor a young child to think of options and come up with ideas?
Understanding the broader purposes of toys can make a difference in working with children. Is it such a big step from creating a train station as a youngster to understanding graphic design and layout? Sometimes, lifelong passions such as trains come from commitments made by mentors.
