Award Specialism Title and rationale

BA(Hons)Professional Practice in Arts (Dance)

Since graduating last year with a Diploma in Dance it has always been my intention to further my training and knowledge in Dance with a focus on Early Years Dance Education.   I still hold a great passion for performing and continuing my own personal Dance training, however when I think of my future career development, I know my strengths lie in contributing to the physical, social and creative development of an Early Years child through Dance and Movement classes.  In the past year, I have been offered six new dance classes specifically for 3-5 year olds, and I would like to continue to expand on this.  With waiting lists on all of these classes it has become apparent to me that there is a lack of provision for Early Years classes in the Highlands of Scotland.

Furthermore, I have developed an in depth knowledge of a Pre-school childs physical development through movement classes by attending courses in Pre-school Gymnastics and Dance teaching.  What I would like to research further, is the social and creative development a child benefits from by taking these classes.

At the moment, I lead Pre-school classes through different companies during the week.  It is my intention, in the next few years, to open my own Pre-School Dance and Movement company, with my own syllabus, therefore this inquiry will be of direct value to my Professional Practice as it foresees what I wish to pursue for my future career. 

This inquiry area will give me the confidence to start up my own classes and give Early Years the opportunity to take part in something that will develop them physically, socially and creatively.  It will increase provision for Arts classes in the Highlands and provide parents with a professional teacher that has extensive knowledge. 

Arts from the Start 💜

Arts from the Start - interesting literature

I'm getting closer and closer to pin pointing my inquiry!! This morning was filled with a lot of searching and reading and these are some articles I have found of interest.

I have been researching the effects of dance and movement classes for early years in their social and creative development. In one article by Julie Vickers on livestrong.com it says :

~Young children learn through full physical involvement. Dance sessions require mental concentration and active participation. 

~Spatial awareness skills are essential for successful social encounters.

~Children begin to acquire social confidence by taking turns to lead others. Dance practitioners may also develop skills of miming, of body language and facial expressions to suggest emotions. 

~Taking turns  and co operating with each other. Circle games and dances help children learn co operation and sharing.

 

This case study from 'EYFS best practice' talks about a young boy named Stefan who did not speak English as a first language and struggled to be social with his classmates. As soon as a movement game was introduced as a way of communicating his confidence and well being increased. 

A busy and productive week!

Last week, I was on my Level 1 Pre school Gymnastics course.  I really enjoyed this course and really feel that Pre School teaching is where my heart lies. 

On the first day we covered ethics which definitely consolidated my knowledge and gave me a few new points I hadn't thought of before. 

Creating positive and appropriate relationships. 

You have to gain the respect of your students. No matter how old they are. If I am teaching pre school children I will be actively involved in their class. There is no point just telling them what to do as to them you are their idol and they look up to you. With older children, you need their trust, especially as I am an Acro teacher I will be supporting these children to do new moves so they need to know they are safe in your hands. 

Good personal behaviour.

I think this covers everything from the way you dress to the way you act. I remember one dance session I decided not to wear any make up and a few kids commented how I looked really tired and 'have you just got out of bed?!' My point is kids don't miss anything! Try to be consistent! 

I think that when it comes to teaching ethics is just a way of life. You need to be setting an example all the time.