Rationale and definitions of the arts in early years education
• Investigation into the philosophical issues and arguments for the inclusion of the arts (dance, drama, music and visual arts) in early childhood education.
• Theoretical underpinnings pertaining to the arts.
• The arts as ways of knowing with links to moving and playing, listening and singing, drawing and painting.
• The influences of Māori, Pasifika and other cultures pertaining to the arts (identity, belonging, citizenship).
Active exploration of dance and drama, music, and visual arts
• Introduction to subject knowledge of the arts.
• Practical exploration and application of the elements, techniques and conventions (ways of working in the arts— exploration, communication).
• Introduction to the creative process in the arts exploring improvisational and problem-solving modes of working.
• Inclusion of personal understandings and experiences (contribution, holistic well-being).
Teaching and learning in the arts
• Identifying ways to respond to and implement dance and drama, music, and visual arts.
• Appropriate strategies for assessment within the context of early childhood.
• Identification and clarification of attitudes, values, beliefs and assumptions related to/associated with the implementation of arts experiences.
• Acknowledging inclusion and diversity as aspects of/central to the arts.
• Making links to Te Whāriki and other educational documents.