At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, our practice is rooted in over 30 years of experience, reflection, and research. With a reflexive approach guiding our decisions, every element of our provision prioritises the best interests of each child.
During the festive season, it’s common to see traditional Christmas crafts like handprint cards or pre-cut designs arranged into seasonal characters. While these may appear as treasured keepsakes for adults, we believe they fall short in fostering children’s creativity and self-expression. This realisation inspired us to fully adopt a ‘Process Over Product’ approach in all our creative opportunities, ensuring every opportunity is child-centred and led by their unique interests and curiosities.
What Does Process Over Product Mean?
Rather than focusing on creating a specific end product, our emphasis is on the process of creation itself. This approach encourages children to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely. In our continuous provision, you’ll find a diverse range of creative resources available at all times. Children are welcome to engage with these as they wish, with seasonal inspirations subtly woven into the environment to spark interest without imposing adult expectations.
The True Value of Creativity
The benefits of this child-led approach are immense. Beyond artistic expression, process art nurtures a range of skills vital for development:
- Building Fine Motor Skills
- Manipulating tools, using a variety of materials, and experimenting with techniques help children develop the dexterity and finger strength essential for writing and other tasks.
- Promoting Autonomy and Confidence
- When children control their creative journey, they build self-belief and confidence in their abilities. This foundation fosters a positive self-image and a sense of accomplishment.
- Encouraging Emotional Expression
- For young children, verbalising emotions can be difficult. Engaging in process art offers a therapeutic outlet for emotions, supporting the development of self-regulation.
- Fostering Problem-Solving and Innovation
- By exploring their ideas independently, children strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills—key components of resilience and creativity.
As the renowned Early Years theorist Lev Vygotsky wisely observed,
“The basic law of children’s creativity lies not in its results, not in the product of creation, but in the process itself.”
A Gift That Lasts
At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, children may not take home conventional festive crafts. Instead, they carry with them something far more valuable: skills, experiences, and a deep-rooted confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.
Through our ‘Process Over Product’ philosophy, we are proud to nurture imaginative, independent thinkers ready to embrace the world with curiosity and resilience.
