Introduction

Educators have an opportunity to nurture children’s creativity and inspire their thinking. They can design an environment that supports their growing capabilities and help them adapt and succeed in the world (Isbell, & Yoshizawa, 2020). “As children listen to music they learn to discriminate sounds and use these elements as they make up their own songs. During movement and dance, children problem solve as they explore physical responses and express their feelings and ideas” (Isbell, & Yoshizawa, 2020, p.2).

Utilising Movement and Music in Early Childhood

Resources, Materials, and Digital Technologies

Movement Resources:

Action Songs and Agility Courses: Incorporate songs that involve specific actions, as well as obstacle courses using props like hoops, ribbons, and balloons to encourage diverse body movements.

Music Resources:

Introduce musical instruments, rhythm tools, and books like How Can You Dance? by Rick Walton and Ana López-Escrivá to complement music activities.

Digital Technologies:

Utilise interactive music apps and digital platforms that focus on rhythm and movement, enhancing the musical and dance experiences.

Learning Experiences Across Age Groups

0-2 Years:

Rhythmic Movement: Engage infants with simple motions such as rocking, swaying, or crawling to rhythmic music.

Sensory Integration: Pair sensory activities like texture exploration with gentle music to enhance sensory awareness.

Movement Games: Encourage basic body movements in response to musical cues, promoting early motor skills.

2-3 Years:

Action Songs: Introduce songs with associated actions to help toddlers connect words with movements.

Basic Dance Routines: Guide children through simple dance movements, encouraging them to express emotions through dance.

Rhyming Games: Use rhymes combined with gestures to develop both language and coordination.

3-5 Years:

Creative Dance Exploration: Allow children to explore different movement patterns through creative dance routines, using props and music to inspire imaginative play.

Themed Movement Activities: Develop activities that align with specific themes, such as animals or nature, to stimulate creative expression.

Musical Storytelling: Incorporate music into storytelling, encouraging children to act out stories through dance.

6-8 Years:

Structured Dance Activities: Introduce choreographed dance routines, exploring a variety of musical genres to expand children’s creative repertoire.

Performance Opportunities: Provide platforms for children to perform, discuss, and critique elements of dance and music, such as rhythm and tempo.

Advanced Movement Exploration: Engage children in complex movement explorations that challenge their understanding of space, timing, and coordination.

Pedagogical Practices and Teaching Strategies

Scaffolding:

Scaffolding is providing children with verbal prompts or cues as to what might be done next (Arthur et al., 2020). A supportive environment that provides safety and security within the context of guided participation. Educators can help children exercise their creativity in ways that influence and promote their social, emotional and physical development (Arthur et al., 2020).

Creative Exploration and Internalisation:

Encourage open-ended exploration, allowing children to express themselves freely through movement and music. Educators can actively participate in music and movement activities, children observe and internalise these behaviours. “Vygotsky proposed that cognitive development has social origins, children engaging in social interactions with more knowledgeable others” (Arthur et al., 2020, p.87). Providing interpretations of interactions and incorporating meanings to words, symbols and strategies to their own thinking. This process is called Internalisation (Arthur et al., 2020).

Safe and Structured Environment:

Create a secure and structured space that enables free movement and musical exploration, while maintaining clear routines and expectations (Irving & Carter, 2019).

Feedback and Encouragement:

Offer positive reinforcement and constructive feedback, supporting children’s development in movement and music activities (Arthur et al., 2020).

Importance of Movement and Music

Sensory Awareness:

These activities help children develop an awareness of their bodies and surroundings, which is necessary for both physical and cognitive growth (Irving & Carter, 2019).

Social and Emotional Development:

Movement and music foster emotional expression and social interaction, aiding in personal development and communication of feelings (Irving & Carter, 2019).

Cognitive Skills:

Engaging with rhythm, tempo, and movement enhances cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities (Irving & Carter, 2019).

Implementing Movement and Music in the Curriculum

Indoor Activities:

Use action songs, create agility courses, and guide movement explorations with props. Examples include crossing the room using varied steps or following visual patterns to develop coordination (Arthur et al., 2020).

Outdoor Activities:

Utilise outdoor spaces for creative movement, acting as a play leader to guide imaginative and cooperative play, incorporating music and movement to enrich the experience (Arthur et al., 2020).

Transitions:

Employ creative movements to facilitate transitions between activities, such as using pretend play or rhythmic movements to smoothly guide children from one task to another (Arthur et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Movement and music are essential for nurturing and facilitating creativity in early childhood education. By thoughtfully integrating these elements into the curriculum and aligning with the NQS and EYLF, educators can significantly enhance children’s developmental experiences and foster their imaginative potential (Arthur et al., 2020).