Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Creative Expression

Goal: Children demonstrate self-expression and creativity in a variety of forms and contexts, including play, visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

Skill Progression: Music/dance

Age: 48-54 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 48-54 Months.

Have a dance talent show in the classroom or home. Let children pick a partner or perform alone. Provide three choices of background music from which they can choose, or they can sing or play an instrument with their dance if desired. Observe the child’s rhythm, ability to make up a dance and move to the beat.

The adult is the announcer, calling the child’s name and the name of his dance. The child can emerge from behind a curtain or sheet after his name is announced. Children who are shy can be partnered with a more outgoing child.

The child will combine movements of arms, hands, legs and feet in novel ways.

Encourage parents to have talent shows at home. This is a fun way for children to build self-confidence. Parents can also pick out emerging talents that can be nurtured.