World Play Day Survey: A Glimpse Into Kids' Creativity Experience
Over a third of children are lacking opportunities for creative play.
Berlin - Over 30% of respondents have voiced concerns about kids in kindergarten and primary school receiving insufficient time and opportunities for creativity. This finding comes from a recent survey by Forsa, conducted on World Play Day, June 11, on behalf of the German Children's Aid Foundation.
While 96% consider creative activities important, only half see children engaging in these activities enough outside of school. A substantial 41% believe they don't get enough opportunities. This sentiment is echoed by 37% of respondents with children in the household.
Consistent digital media use appears to be a potential impediment to children's enthusiasm for creativity, with 81% acknowledging this as an issue. Moreover, 75% think parents may not emphasize or genuinely enjoy creative activities enough. Financial limitations of parents could also be an obstacle, with respondents with lower income agreeing in 70%. East-side respondents (54%) feel there's a lack of accessible and engaging offers more than their western counterparts (35%).
The survey sheds light on the significance of creative play for children. Not just a means of joy, free play is crucial for cognitive development and fostering a sense of community. Adults must hence create ample space for these activities, according to Holger Hofmann, the federal director of the German Children's Aid Foundation.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes the right to play, leisure, and relaxation for every child. World Play Day, commemorated globally on June 11, aims to highlight this fundamental right. In Germany, the German Children's Aid Foundation and "Right to Play" alliance are among the organizations spearheading activities on this day.
Creative Endeavors in Focus:
While specific initiatives by the German Children's Aid Foundation for World Play Day aren't clear, other organizations have followed similar paths. For instance, The Toy Foundation, known for its annual International Day of Play, distributes toys and games to children in need, emphasizing play's role in development. Meanwhile, the Regine Sixt Children's Aid Foundation focuses on welfare projects and team efforts for children's causes. Lastly, the Initiative of Children's Book Creative Content (ICBC) engages with children's literature and creative activities to stimulate curiosity and creativity. In the absence of clear information, it's safe to assume that organizations promoting children's welfare support initiatives fostering free play and creativity. These could involve activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling, and community engagements, all with a goal to inspire a love for learning and exploration.
Home-and-garden activities can play a significant role in nurturing children's creativity outside of school, as emphasized by organizations promoting children's welfare on World Play Day. Encouraging arts and crafts projects, storytelling, and community engagements at home can help foster a love for learning and exploration.
