Projects - Puppy in my Pocket Story Maker

Creative projects for children to get engrossed in will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment on completion. Applying themselves to many different processes is good for children's fine motor skill development. Involving writing helps with literacy skills and promotes development of vocabulary, and the freedom of choice allows for self-expression. Be adaptable - if a child goes off on a tangent, don't be negative - they might have a really great idea!

Making Things - Wammy 100 Piece Set

Making things is great for confidence-building and creativity and something girls enjoy as well as boys. When talking to the child about their work, praise the effort rather than the finished item as this will boost confidence and motivation, as well as encourage them to think about and adapt the processes they are using. Sets that can make many items are great for creating personalised presents for loved ones to treasure, and show your child the joys of heartfelt gift-giving.

Confidence Building - Magic Showtime

Children are naturally curious and love being able to wow adults with their achievements - this encourages a love of learning and discovery. A desire to impress their friends and entertain people comes naturally to some children, so foster that confidence and encourage the development of new skills. Boys especially love 'gross' toys, and fulfilling this curiosity in a safe way is great fun.

Steady Hands - Plasticine Playsets

Giving minimum props allows children to use their imagination and creativity for endless possibilities. Non-permanent resources that can be washed away are great for outside, such as shaving foam or drawing on the patio with water paints or chalk. Being able to change or erase what they have made and start again can be an exciting concept and provide hours of fun with little resources. When talking to children about their creations, describe what you see and say what you like about it, and ask them what they like best and why.

Design - Harumika Party Dress Set

As children get older they start to develop a sense of identity. Clothes are a large part of this and giving children the opportunity to express their emerging personality by designing clothes boosts confidence and develops creativity. The time and dedication required to initially plan and successfully implement an idea can give an enormous sense of pride, and promote individuality. Creating items for special occasions can help your child stand out from the crowd - and could be an excellent idea for a party activity theme, so that everyone takes home a memento.