At the International School of Riga (ISR), we are committed to educational excellence and sharing best practices beyond our school community. One of the most crucial aspects of early childhood education is fostering creativity—helping young learners develop problem-solving skills, think critically, and express their ideas freely.
Recognizing the importance of creative learning, our PYP Coordinator, Ginta Kārkliņaa, was invited to lead a professional development workshop for preschool educators in Liepāja. The session, titled “Bērna radošuma sekmēšana pirmsskolā” (Fostering Children’s Creativity in Preschool), focused on how teachers can nurture children’s natural curiosity and imagination while building essential cognitive and social skills.
Why Is Creativity Important in Early Childhood Education?
Encouraging creativity in young children is essential for their overall development. Creative thinking allows children to:
✅ Express themselves freely through art, storytelling, and play
✅ Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
✅ Adapt to new challenges by thinking outside the box
✅ Build confidence in their ideas and perspectives
✅ Foster curiosity and a love for lifelong learning
By integrating creativity into preschool and primary education, children gain the foundational skills they need to navigate an ever-changing world.
The IB PYP Approach to Creativity in Learning
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where children actively explore concepts, ask questions, and engage in hands-on experiences. Creativity plays a key role in this process, helping students connect ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
During the workshop, educators explored an important question: Who is the true creator—the child who explores ideas or the teacher who shapes the learning experience? The discussion highlighted the importance of balance—giving children the freedom to express their creativity while providing structured guidance to develop essential skills like communication, collaboration, and independent thinking.
Sharing Expertise with the Latvian Education Sector
At ISR, we take pride in bridging international best practices with Latvia’s education sector. While we are an international school, we strongly believe in collaboration and knowledge-sharing with local educators. Workshops like this provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen teaching methodologies, and contribute to the development of early childhood education in Latvia.
We extend a huge thank you to Ginta Karklina, who dedicated her own time to leading this workshop—her passion and commitment to education truly inspire us. We are also grateful to Liepāja’s Izglītības pārvalde for organizing this professional development opportunity and to all the dedicated educators who participated.
Learn More About Creativity in Education
📖 Read about the importance of creativity in early childhood education: UNESCO – The Role of Creativity in Early Learning
🌍 Explore the IB PYP framework and its emphasis on inquiry-based learning: International Baccalaureate – Primary Years Programme
📚 Discover research on creativity and problem-solving in children: Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child
ISR remains committed to empowering educators, fostering innovation, and preparing students for a future where creativity and critical thinking are essential skills. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and shape the future of education together.
Interested in Learning More About Our Approach to Education?
📩 Contact us today to discover how the International School of Riga fosters creativity, inquiry, and excellence in learning!
