A time for imagination

Kids need a time for imagination each day...a time that is not controlled and scheduled by an adult. This is, afterall, childhood. Provide a corner of the home where the child can have easy access to simple art materials, such as: crayons, scissors, paper, glue, stapler, tape, markers, collage items (buttons, cotton balls, scraps of fabric, old greeting cards), and whatever seems appropriate for the age of the child. Freedom of access is imperative. The child can go to this quiet undisturbed corner to create and explore materials as needed. Provide a small trash can to encourage responsible clean-up. It's so easy to do, and holds importance that cannot be calculated or tested.