Expressive arts and design

UNCRC Article 31: every child has the right to relax and play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role- play, and design and technology.

By the end of their Reception year, most children will either be emerging, working at the expected level, or exceeding the following statements.

 
Exploring and using media and materials:

Children sing songs, make music and dance, and experiment with ways of changing them. They safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

 
Being imaginative:

Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role-play and stories.

More Information about the Early Years Foundation Stage is available through this link: Early Years Foundation Stage