The Arts and Meaning-Making with Children

An exploration of the arts in early childhood and a resource for pre-service educators.

A quality arts education in early childhood has a positive impact on children's early development. This book focuses on arts in early childhood through the lenses of 'play' and 'meaning making'. The Arts and Meaning-Making with Children offers a focused exploration of the arts in early childhood, an essential resource for pre-service educators.Quality arts education delivered in early childhood has a positive impact on children's early development and learning. The Arts and Meaning-Making with Children focuses on arts in early childhood through the lenses of 'play' and 'meaning making'. Examples of creative arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, movement, music, dramatising and storytelling are provided alongside theoretical principles, to showcase how children can express ideas and make meaning from early ages. Each chapter includes case studies, examples of arts-based research, links to the EYLF guidelines, and end-of-chapter questions and activities to engage students and help them reflect on the content. Suggested adaptations for younger and older children are also included. Written by experienced educators, artists and academics, The Arts and Meaning-Making with Children offers a focused, in-depth exploration of the arts in early childhood and is an essential resource for pre-service and in-service educators.