The use of the arts in early childhood education is something that all children should get to experience in order to expand on their overall learning and development (Koster 2004). When we introduce children to the many forms of art, we are supplying them with the opportunity to grow and expand as people, allowing them to develop views and a deeper understanding of the world in which we live (Terreni 2000). When children are given the chance to expand their minds in such ways, this also allows for the expansion of many learning and developmental areas as well (Terreni 2000). Because the arts are so diverse in nature, they can be used in so many ways for so many things, giving the teacher the ability to cater the experiences or activity to suit the individual needs of each child (Koster 2004). As the children engage with these various art experiences and activities, it allows for individual interpretation, giving the children the opportunity to express themselves in their own individual ways (Koster 2004). As the children begin to express themselves, their confidence, self-esteem, creativity and imagination begin to shine through in their personalities and work giving them a positive sense of individuality and belonging (Commonwealth of Australia 2009).

Well-designed arts curriculums should engage the children through every aspect, giving them the opportunity to explore and create without limits or boundaries (Terreni 2000). When we as teachers supply the children with well-designed arts curriculums that take into account environmental aspects and child and teacher engagement, this supports the children in achieving the above outcomes during their early years (Terreni 2000).

 

The activities I have created for implementation into my own arts curriculum are designed in a way that allows for individual creative expression. The children are encouraged to take the activities in their own direction, linking them with previous personal knowledge or learning ideas. Each activity has been developed with previous learning considered and can be implemented in individual or group situations. Many of my lesson plans are developed as extension activities that relate to previous learning experiences or topics such as the human body, books or plants and growth.