Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›
by Robert Pankowecki
Creative & Artistic Expression

Expressing ideas, emotions, and experiences through visual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and imaginative thinking.

Sources (8)
  • UK EYFS (Expressive Arts & Design)
  • Reggio Emilia (100 Languages)
  • Waldorf/Steiner
  • Montessori (Cultural Studies)
  • Gardner (Musical, Spatial Intelligence)
  • Singapore NEL (Aesthetics & Creative Expression)
  • Finland ECEC (Diverse Forms of Expression)
  • E.D. Hirsch
5 Subdomains
Visual Arts › Music & Rhythm › Dance & Expressive Movement › Dramatic Play & Imagination › Creative Thinking & Innovation ›
Creative Thinking & Innovation

Using materials, ideas, and processes in novel ways, combining ideas, and thinking divergently.

Examples & Achievements

  • Uses art materials in unexpected ways
  • Combines different materials to create something new
  • Suggests multiple solutions to a problem ("what else could we use?")
  • Invents a new game with rules
  • Tells original stories (not just retelling known ones)

How to Measure

  • Generates 3+ different uses for a common object (divergent thinking)
  • Creates an original art piece or construction that does not replicate a model
  • Invents a game or story with at least 2 original elements
  • HighScope KDI - Creative Representation observation
Sources (4)
  • Reggio Emilia
  • HighScope
  • NAEYC
  • Finland ECEC

Childhood Map › Creative & Artistic Expression

Creative Thinking & Innovation

Using materials, ideas, and processes in novel ways, combining ideas, and thinking divergently.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources