Research on the cultivating and development of Chinese children’s creativity: A literature review of studies published in Chinese (2015–2024)

In recent years, there has been extensive research on children's creativity in China. This study primarily utilizes the CNKI.net database to analyze papers on children's creativity published in China over the past decade. It focuses on Chinese scholars' perspectives regarding the trajectory of creative development, emphasizing key phases and effective teaching strategies. From an initial pool of 242 publications, 58 studies were selected for detailed examination. The findings indicate that early childhood education, particularly in kindergarten and preschool settings, is critical for nurturing creativity. Besides language instruction, other significant factors include contextualized learning, crafts, physical education, and emotional support, with arts education identified as a vital strategy for fostering creative skills. The study also notes shortcomings within the educational system, where academic achievement and administrative considerations often overshadow artistic expression. Moreover, it suggests that Chinese scholarship requires a greater emphasis on innovation compared to research conducted in other regions. The results provide guidance for future research and educational policy modifications, advocating for an interest-based curriculum and supportive family environments to enhance creativity.