In a recent speech, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton stated, "Supporting
arts education is not only the right thing to do, but it is the smart thing for
our nation and for both the public and private sector to do." Mrs. Clinton
also gave recognition to Head Start's contributions: "We also have new [Program
Performance] Standards for our 2,000 Head Start centers that recognize how we
can best get our children ready for schools by developing their creative self
expression through activities in art, music, movement, and dialogue."
The First Lady's remarks are supported by research findings showing that creative
experiences, implemented in developmental- and age-appropriate ways, have a positive
influence on a child's learning. The arts are an excellent avenue for supporting
emerging literacy and numeracy, nurturing the growth of the imagination, and increasing
self-confidence.
To support creative learning, the Head Start Bureau in consultation with
a variety of local programs, organizations, parents, and early childhood experts
has developed multimedia materials to help adults incorporate art, music,
movement, and dialogue in the education of young children, beginning in infancy.
The package, entitled For Children, Life Is a Creative Adventure, is
distributed widely to Head Start, Early Head Start, Even Start, Title 1, and child
care programs. It can be used as the basis to train teachers, home visitors, child
care providers, parents, and volunteers. There are three parts to the Creative
Adventure resource package:
- A Video that illustrates some of the
ways adults can help children engage in a wide variety of art, music, movement,
and dialogue experiences, both individually and in small groups.
- A Guide for Parents and Professionals
that describes and illustrates the activities presented in the video. It includes
discussion topics and questions that will help viewers get the maximum benefit
from the video, along with additional activities not presented in the video.
The guide also provides a variety of suggestions for working with infants,
toddlers, and preschoolers to support growth and learning through creative
expression.
- A Wall Chart that communicates some
of the ways adults can encourage creative expression through a variety of
art, music, movement, and dialogue activities based on the continuum of child
growth and development.
To order A Creative Adventure materials, fax your request
to the Head Start Publications Management Center at 703-683-5769. For general
information on A Creative Adventure, contact E. Dollie Wolverton, Chief of the
Education Services Branch, Head Start Bureau, T: 202-205-8418;
E: dwolverton@acf.dhhs.gov.
See also:
Head Start Bulletin #67
