Micro Moves is based on the Pre-School Dance Curriculum launched by the Royal Academy of Dance in 2004. Synthesised from educational research and developmental theories, the curriculum was designed from a developmental perspective: addressing young children’s cognitive, motor and affective development.
The importance of movement in the development of children has been well researched and documented by educationalists and psychologists alike. During these early years children are involved in developing fundamental movement skills that are necessary for future skill learning. Early exposure to developmentally appropriate movement activities in an instructional environment can help children to acquire skills and attitudes that are necessary for the future participation in physical activity. Active children can develop into active and healthy adults, enjoying the physical and social benefits that participation in dance and sport can bring.
Within the curriculum, a range of fundamental movements are identified for use in a wide variety of contexts, developing children’s ability to move efficiently, effectively and safely. Dance classes not only provide an outlet to help satisfy children’s innate desire to move, they also provide the opportunity to develop their creativity and expressive abilities as well as an understanding of their bodies, and the surrounding space.
The goals for the Micro Moves Curriculum are:
o
To
enhance children’s movement abilities and physical fitness
o
To
aid children in becoming physically and spatially aware
o
To
stimulate children’s listening skills
o
To
encourage children to move expressively
o
To
build children’s confidence and self esteem
o To encourage children to become co-operative and sociable
In order to achieve these
goals, an extensive list of pre-defined learning outcomes and core learning
activities are followed. Each of these is broken down into sections and
subsections so that the teacher delivers them correctly and effectively. Each
theme is evaluated by means of a curriculum checklist to ensure that each
learning outcome is sufficiently covered and that the theme has ultimately
proven successful.