The Arts in Kindergarten
Self-expression is natural to young children and should be supported and encouraged. It is important that both teachers and parents accept children's artistic expressions uncritically. The focus of the arts curriculum in the early years is enjoyment.
Music
Children sing, experiment with making sounds using a variety of rhythm instruments, listen to many different kinds of music, compose songs, and attend musical performances.
Movement
Children use their bodies in creative dance and view dance performances.
Drama
Children use puppets, play dress up, put on plays, and view performances of plays.
Drawing and sculpture
Children experiment with various media such as tempera paints, crayons, pencils, markers, and clay. They also observe and discuss artwork in museums, libraries, and parks.
Poetry and creative writing
Children create poems, songs, stories, and plays. The works of individual children or of groups are collected into books.
Reprinted with permission from 101 Educational Conversations with Your Kindergartner by Vito Perrone, published by Chelsea House Publishers.
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