Even though creativity begins as an inner process-a feeling or an idea- it must also produce an observable result, according to our definition. Daydreaming is not an end in itself with respect to creativity, although it is very important to the entire process. Just being oneself is not being creative. Children's though and feelings may be interesting and important, but thoughts and feelings are not creative per se. There must be a product that expresses those thoughts and feelings.
The product can be anything that child can creates with their hands or bodies. Writing, drawing, painting, acting, dancing, talking, building and playing are all ways in which creativity is manifested.
It is important for children to have a ready supply of raw materials, or what I call "stuff"-paper, string, paint, "dress ups" and so on. But materials themselves are not creative, no matter what manufacturers or toy sellers say when marketing them. It is how children use these materials that determine creativity.
Later I will discuss the need for stuff at greater length, showing what kinds of materials are most useful in developing a child's creativity. Expensive toys are not necessary. Many notable creative people came from families of limited means; part of creativity is learning to make do with what the environment provides.
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