Macquarie University

The Arts in Early Childhood Contexts - ECH131

This unit is subject to a quota. Limited places are available. Please refer to the Faculty for further information

This unit introduces the creative arts and their role in the lives of children from birth to 12 years. It explores children's aesthetic and expressive development in visual arts, music, dance and drama, and their use of the arts as symbol systems for making and communicating meaning. Students gain understanding, knowledge and appreciation of skills, processes and outcomes necessary to teach the creative arts in 0–5 and K–6 settings. The role of the teacher in working with children in ways which regard them as competent, creative and resourceful art makers is explored, as is the place of direct instruction to develop children's skills within the context of their diverse needs and interests. The role of community arts organisations and spaces – museums, galleries, performing arts – in providing opportunities for children to gain experience in appreciation of the art forms is explored.