In the blog on April 4th, we discussed the purpose and structure of a curriculum. Today we focus on the second learning area, Diverse forms of expression! In this post, you will find out why this learning area is important for children's development and what learning objectives are included in this learning area.

As a surprise gift, you will get one free lesson plan that includes an activity based on experimental learning. The activity is planned by Kindiedays lesson plan expert Stella Giota to match this learning area's objectives.

Freedom of expressing oneself

The purpose of early childhood education is to support children in expressing themselves holistically and in a goal-oriented way. When children are comfortable with expressing themselves it also shows and keeps on developing in their play. Self-expression is a wide topic, children are encouraged to express themselves
verbally, bodily, visually, musically, artistically...

According to Helsinki City's curriculum in early childhood education, self-expression and learning are processes that include: experimentation, exploration, practicing different stages of creating things, and documenting those stages. Every child’s personal expression is supported with sufficient time and space.

The expression can be anything from painting to dancing or playing an instrument - and many more things! In this learning area, children can learn for example about colors, shapes, materials, art techniques, creativity, fine motor skills, moving to music,
playing with (body) instruments, singing, crafts, sculpting, and sewing.

By practicing all these amazing and practical expressional skills, children also learn about the process of doing things; and what it means to plan, work, assess, and develop their own ideas.

Are you an educator? Enhance children's learning environment with Kindiedays

Learning objectives

Each Learning Area has its objectives that work as a tool for educators' planning and assessment process. Below, you can find all the Learning Objectives (32) of the Diverse forms of expression learning area:

 

Musical expression

• I make observations of the sound environment
• I sing songs and enjoy nursery rhymes
• I experiment with different musical instruments
• I experiment with making music with my body
• I listen and move to music
• I gather experience in basic beat and rhythm
• I use imagination and express thoughts and emotions stirred by music
• I create music together with my peers
• I practice small-scale musical performances with peers
• I understand music, the duration volume, tonal color, and strength of sound

 

Verbal and bodily expression

• I engage in verbal expression
• I engage in bodily expression
• I share my thoughts and experiences
• I familiarise myself with children's literature
• I familiarise myself with theatre, dance, and circus
• I express myself spontaneously
• I take part in a planned creative process

 

Visual expression

• I learn different art techniques
• I gather aesthetic experiences through art
• I experiment, explore, and combine different materials
• I experiment with various methods and tools
• I can explain my thoughts about visual messages and images
• I practice planning skills and creative problem-solving with crafting activities
• I produce and implement ideas for different kinds of artwork
• I observe objects and sites in the built and natural environment
• I observe artwork and content in the media

 

Artistic and cultural expression

• I take part in planned activities
• I take part in spontaneous activities
• I practice different ways to express myself
• I can imagine and evoke mental images
• I experiment, explore, and practice different stages of doing things and documenting these
• I am competent in the areas of multi-literacy, participation, and involvement

 

You can find the free lesson plan HERE ! :)

Learn more about Kindiedays Experimential Lesson Plans and order your own plans.

Watch our video How to use Kindiedays lesson plans.

Happy singing, painting, acting, imagining, playing, and learning!

 

References:

Helsinki's curriculum for early childhood education and care