Arts Resources for Early Childhood
Creative and expressive arts are core activities in Australian early childhood centres. They encourage development through play in many areas including physical movement, thinking and language. By being creative through music, visual arts, storytelling, dance and drama, children also develop important social and emotional skills. Essential Resources has a range of publications to help in this area.
Is art and creativity important in early childhood education?
Art and creativity are incredibly important in early childhood education. Essential Resources provides expertly designed titles that help you foster creative thinking in young children. Engaging in early childhood art experiences empowers children to explore and express their ideas in unique ways. Authentic art experiences in early childhood education provide opportunities for children to engage in creative learning relevant to their lives.
Art and cognitive development in children are closely linked; through early years art exploration, children develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. By encouraging creativity in the early years, educators support the development of these essential skills while also nurturing children's imaginations.
Incorporating art into the early years not only supports cognitive development but also fosters a sense of individuality and confidence in young learners. Therefore, creativity and the arts should be integral components of early childhood education. For more insights into the value of the arts in early education, check out our freebie The Arts in the Transition Programme By Frances Adlam.
How does the EYLF V2.0 support the arts?
The EYLF V2.0 (Early Years Learning Framework) strongly supports the arts by emphasizing the importance of creative thinking in early childhood development. It recognizes that early childhood art experiences play a crucial role in developing creativity in young children, encouraging them to explore and express themselves through various mediums. For more information on implementing the EYLF, check out our informative resources such as Assessment and Learning - Second edition and EYLF and NQS without Tears - Fourth edition.
Authentic art experiences in early childhood education are highlighted to foster cognitive development and support children's understanding of the world around them. The framework encourages educators to provide opportunities for early years art exploration, where children can engage in creative learning and experiment with different materials, ideas, and processes. For more guidance on the EYLF, browse our helpful collection that support the Australian curriculum frameworks.
What are some inspiring ideas for early years art exploration?
Our collection of arts resources is brimming with inspiring ideas for early years art exploration.
The First Art series contains loads of fun activities such as painting children’s feet, playing music and letting them dance across paper to make prints. This title also includes a variety of collage material suggestions, from sticky tape and natural objects to stickers, providing endless opportunities for children to experiment with texture, color, and composition.
Additionally, Stepping Stones to the Visual Arts is a comprehensive collection of activities organised by themes. One delightful suggestion involves covering biscuits with raised patterns in paint and using them to print onto paper or fabric, blending art with tactile experiences that stimulate cognitive development.
For more ideas, check out our collection of Arts Resources for Early Childhood Educators.