Development of Children’s Initiative in Creative Activities Jana Grava Pedagogy, Liepaja University
Summary In this article the research studies of pedagogues and psychologists (V.Hibnere, I.Domashenko, H.Hekhauzers, T.Volotkina, L.Rostovecka) on the essence of initiative are analyzed. The initiative is based on child’s explorative motivation, which later gives grounds for learning motivation and learning achievements. Organizing educational and upbringing work in the pre-school often methods are used that are inadequate for the developmental level of child’s perception and thinking. Therefore, in the pedagogical process of pre-school education it is essential to use such learning methods that develop child’s explorative activities and initiative according to his/her abilities and level of development, which later could foster the learning skills. The initiative of a child and his/her creative activities are in mutual interaction, because the child feels the need to be creative out of his/her own initiative. Therefore, it can be said that initiative stimulates creativity, but the activity that has emerged as the result of child’s motivation and interest, creates new expressions of initiative. Initiative is linked to the formation of creative attitude of the child towards independent activity. This formation and development is defined by human needs, motivation and interests. The development of children’s initiative is supported when pedagogical process is based on explorative and constructive approach following individualization and differentiation, encouraging children to fantasize and stimulating their ability to choose the type of activity. Keywords: inner initiative, creative activity, explorative motivation, learning motivation.