Topic VI: visual and performing arts
Introduction
The visual and performing arts are as natural to young children’s lives and language and play are. The arts build skills such as problem solving and critical thinking; they bring parallel opportunities for the development of language/communication, mathematics, and the development of social and interpersonal skills. (California Preschool Curriculum Framework (PCF), Volume 2, p. 40) More
Visual Arts
Preschool children often have a natural fascination with the process of creating visual art. In groups where children speak multiple languages and may not share common words, visual art can create connections and a way of communicating. Open-ended art projects emphasize the process of working with visual materials. Curriculum should emphasize open-ended process activities rather than production of a specific product. (PCF, Vol. 2, p. 50) More
Music
When children develop an awareness and knowledge of music elements, they progress in their understanding and ability to control the elements for personal musical expression. Although early childhood music education is primarily about introducing musical sounds and holistic experiences, enriched learning occurs when the child has an understanding of and ability to manipulate the music elements of rhythm, melody, form, loudness/softness, temp, timbre, articulation, and style. (PCF, Vol. 2, p. 63)More
Drama
Typically, children ages three to five first experience drama by participating in dramatic play at home and in the early childhood environment. All children bring experiences that can enrich drama, and all children are capable of enjoying and participating in drama. During preschool, drama should be about the process of creating and exploring rather than an end product, such as a rehearsed play or other formal performance. (PCF, Vol. 2, p. 86) More
Dance
Dance and movement are an inherent part of life and are as natural as breathing. Dance is an elemental human experience and a means of expression. It begins before words are formed, and it is innate in children before they use language to communicate. Movement is a natural human response when thoughts or emotions are too overwhelming or cannot be expressed in words. (PCF,Vol 2, p. 101)More
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