유아의 창의적 특성과 교육적 시사 = A Study of the Creative Characteristics of Preschoolers and Their Implications on Early Childhood Education

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Based on comparative review of developmental theorists, creative characteristics of preschoolers and their implications on early childhood education were described. Main characteristics of the preschoolers are as follows 1) creative characteristic of preschoolers` thinking style is similar to Freud`s primary process thinking 2) this style helps the combinatory imagination, which enables creative thinking 3) preschoolers` creative imagination develops through symbolic play with caregivers 4) creative imagination of this period is closely related to artistic creativity. 5) the imaginative ability and logical thinking are merged in adolescence and finally blossoms in adulthood to various creative outcomes in many domains. Implications on early childhood education for developing creative potential of the children are suggested. Firstly, it is important to keep the preschoolers` interests and motivation for symbolic play by providing various stimuli and sensitive interaction. Secondly, developmentally appropriate education for harmonizing logical and intuitive ability of children is strongly recommended.