Performing Arts in Early Childhood Education: Aesthetics and Meaning

This collection explores the value and meaning of performing arts for young children (birth-6 years old) with a focus on how children aesthetically perceive and make meaning of art. This collection explores the value and meaning of performing arts for young children (birth-6 years old) with a focus on how children aesthetically perceive and make meaning of art. The premise of the book is that children perceive through the senses; the original Greek meaning of the word “aesthetic.” The perception of art by very young children has not been sufficiently researched until the 21st century nor taken into account as something that may be of value for young children. This book redirects this notion by connecting the young child as a human being with performance perception theory and early childhood development theories. It demonstrates the value of performance for and with young children and highlights their capacity for meaning making. The chapters rely on theories of child and childhood, performance perception theory and audience and performance analyses from multiple perspectives and in multiple global contexts, demonstrating the impact of performing arts experiences in educating the whole child.