A Different TuneRuth Churchill Dower, Isaacs UK

Starting PointsWhy consult? How will our dance provision help children become

• Confident, expressive and motivated individuals

• Socially well adapted to live and learn with others

• Well balanced - high level of emotional well being and good mental health

• Respectful of both themselves and others, of their different cultural identities, and of their spirituality

• Able to play imaginatively and feel a positive sense of identity in their community

• Active and critical learners, engaging in sustained shared thinking

Achieving our cultural entitlement How does that work, then?

When children are encouraged to think and move creatively by following their own lines of enquiry, exploring possibilities, making new connections and solving problems, they are developing the

skills for life-long learning.

In this way they explore their own cultures; identities; who they are; how they relate to others –

they develop confidence in themselves and the world around them.

This approach demands professionals who take the time to listen, consult, tune into children’s thinking,

respect their cultures and trust the richness of children’s ideas.

Daniel’s Dance – Making sense of his own story

Beautiful Butterfly Dance – understanding the world around us

From Exploration…

…To Expression

Bernadette Duffy

By encouraging creativity and imagination, we are promoting children’s ability to explore and comprehend their world and increasing their opportunities to make new connections and reach new understandings.

Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years (1998)

Brainy when Born

Right or Left Brain?

International Exchange Programme (USA & UK) between 20 early years

teachers and 8dancers and musicians

exploring cultural diasporas

Balabik Dance Co (Limoges) performing ‘Pestacle’ for 0-5s

A movement workshop for

under fives by

Balabik Dance Theatre

Company

Balabik building communications bridges between toddlers and parents

Cultural Diversity in Early Years

at St Helens

Bisakha Sarker introducing

Indian Dance to

Rainford Village Playgroup

The Reel Bollywood

Germination and Chix Chandaria

work with young people

from Hull and Luton

to share and learn about

each other’s cultural identities

Key Policy Messages

• Child at the heart of provision• Integrated infrastructures and

collaborative working leading to transformational change

• Important role of Parents and communities for longer lasting impact

• Recognition of impact of cultural opportunities on PSED as well as attainment and achieving entitlement

The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes

Marcel Proust