Early childhood professionals work in a multidisciplinary system, to provide a holistic approach to early childhood education. Holistic education provides for the personal, social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of the child. However, on some occasions the child may need more intensive support for their emotional needs. This module introduces the student to the role of the creative therapies (art, drama, music and movement) within early childhood care. It investigates the reasons why children behave in certain ways, and explores creative strategies and interventions for dealing with challenging behaviour. The creative arts are also a powerful medium for self-awareness and personal development. In this module the student will learn to awaken their own creativity through experiential creative arts workshops, and in a gentle way, learn more about themselves. Connections will be made to Síolta and Aistear where relevant. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on developing students' CoRe competencies.
The Personal and Social Development of the Child
The creative arts as a mechanism to develop children's personal skills (concentration, persistence, commitment, reflection, self awareness) and social skills (listening, turn taking, cooperation, respect)
Creative Therapy and the Emotional Needs of the Child
Comprehend in depth the theories that inform creative arts practices and creative arts therapies, using creative arts not as a therapist
Facilitating Creativity using the Curriculum
Overcoming obstacles to creativity, creating conditions that foster creativity, multidisciplinary teamwork and project design
Creatively Managing Behaviour
Allowing children to find their voice - the 'pretend' self and puppetry, interactive story-making - deciding appropriate behaviour, mantle of the expert - children as experts, role reversal - developing understanding and empathy, art to express emotions, music and movement that liberate
Personal Development through Creativity (The Artist's Way)
Creative affirmations, meditation, rediscovering a sense of identity
This module is delivered in weekly lectures/ workshops where the students engage experientially with the creative arts in supporting children's creativity, learning and development. This module uses both directed and self-directed modes and expects the students engage and evaluate the creative arts as a means of effective pedagogy.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |