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Children, Play and Creativity

July 14 - August 1, 2025, Monday to Friday

ECE 113 (GNED)

Play and creativity is fundamental to children’s early development. In fact, in 2019, the Canadian Public Health Association called up all parents/caregivers, educators, childcare providers, school boards, public health professionals, the private sector, and all levels of government and Indigenous peoples’ governments to improve access to unstructured child-led play. The same year, in America, they began prescribing play to children on their annual checkups!

So how do you foster play and creativity for children? And how could play and creativity be incorporated into all industries? The Children, Play and Creativity course helps you develop the skills to design learning environments and experiences that nurture unstructured play and imaginative abilities in children, and adults alike!

You’ll learn how to:

  • Use play as a way to foster creativity;
  • Communicate the importance of creativity in learning environments;
  • Plan for play! Incorporate play-based approach to your teaching and learning strategies.

This program is right for you if:

  • You’re looking to develop the skills to design learning environments that are play and creativity-friendly;
  • You are interested in children’s development – but you don’t have a background in early childhood education;
  • You want to become a better parent, caregiver, or ally to children in your chosen industry.

What will you be able to do after this course?

  • Identify different theories, characteristics, types, functions and stages of play;
  • Communicate the value of play-based approach to development and learning in early childhood;
  • Apply inclusive and responsive teaching strategies to enhance spontaneous and planned experiences;
  • Nurture the creative process in children and adults.

A range of teaching methods are used in this course, including creative work, presentation, applied project and reflection. You need no prior knowledge of early childhood education, but an open mind is essential!

Register Now