Course Description
Music, movement, drama and dance as a meaningful and integral part of a dynamic learning curriculum for young children are highlighted. Content topics focus on supportive historical background (Froebel, Montessori, and Pestalozzi) and developmental perspectives (Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, and Gardner). The educational value in the use of the creative arts in enriching and enhancing learning domains of children is addressed. Most important are guiding classroom exercises designed to assist early childhood teachers in developing their skills in their key role as facilitators participating in age appropriate creative music, movement, dance and drama experiences. Blending subject matter into these creative experiences and integrating them into the early childhood curriculum will be highlighted. Candidates will explore, experiment, and experience the use of environmental materials to create musical instruments, turning a story into dramatic play, and improvise activities to accompany creative arts activities.