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.