Syllabus
Creative Arts for Early Childhood

Creative Arts for Early Childhood

CDEC-1458

Fall 2012
08/27/2012 - 12/16/2012

Course Information

Section 002
Lecture
M 18:00 - 20:50
EVC3 3207
Nira Changwatchai

Office Hours

  • M T Th
    12:45 pm - 5:45 pm
    EVE5113
  • W
    9:15 am - 3:00 pm
    EVE5113
    and by appointment

Course Overview

Course Description
CDEC 1458 is an exploration of principles, methods and materials for teaching young children music, movement, visual arts and dramatic play through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking.

Four hours per week of supervised fieldwork with young children is required. This course is only offered in fall semesters. (Formerly CDP 1584)

Course Rationale
The purpose of this course is to demonstrate integration of the creative arts into the classroom for young children, as well as practice doing so in an applied setting.

Prerequisites:   
Fundamentals of Reading (DEVR 0303) & Fundamentals of Writing (DEVW 0403) Or a satisfactory score on appropriate placement test
CDEC/TECA 1311 Educating Young Children
CDEC 1413 Curriculum Resources
   
Co-Requisites:
Reading Skills I (DEVR 1303) & Writing Skills I (DEVW 1403) Or a satisfactory score on appropriate placement test
Concurrent enrollment in CDEC 1413 Curriculum Resources

Instructional Methodology
A variety of instructional methods will be used in this lecture/lab course - possibilities include lectures, guest speakers, small and large group discussions, brainstorming, video or DVD, role-play, debates, demonstrations, games, case studies, group activity projects, hands-on class participation activities and a variety of readings, lab/field work and assignments to be completed outside of class.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Objectives
In this course, students will:
1. Define the creative process.
a. Describe factors that encourage and discourage creativity
b. Compare process-oriented experiences to product-oriented experiences
c. Explain the relationship of divergent thinking to creative expression
d. Describe how open-ended questioning techniques encourage divergent thinking
e. Explain the relationship of multiple intelligences to creativity

2. Describe the role of play in a child’s growth and development
a. Explain how play affects the development of children in all domains
b. Contrast different types of play
c. Discuss characteristics of social play at different ages

3. Describe developmental sequences for creative arts
a. Outline how children’s art develops
b. Summarize how musical development occurs
c. Explain development of movement (gross-motor, fine-motor and perceptual awareness skills) in children
d. Describe development of dramatic play in children

4. Analyze teacher roles in enhancing creativity
a. Explain teacher roles in supporting visual arts in the classroom
b. Describe teacher roles in providing music experiences
c. Summarize teacher roles in promoting movement activities
d. Outline teacher roles in encouraging creative dramatics/dramatic play
e. Describe how to use assessment information to plan and provide child-centered learning activities

5. Describe concepts taught through the creative arts
a. Summarize the role of visual arts, music, movement and creative drama in the overall development of children
b. Outline concepts learned by children through participating in creative art, music, movement and dramatic play/creative drama
c. Describe strategies for infusing culture through the creative arts curriculum
d. Discuss ways that bias might influence children’s behavior when participating in art, music, movement and dramatic play

6. Describe components of creative environments
a. Describe environments that provide children with a wide range of experiences in the visual arts, music, creative drama and movement
b. Discuss the role of aesthetics in environments for children
c. Describe materials that will enhance creativity in children

7. Plan, implement and assess child-centered activities for music, movement, visual arts and dramatic play
a. Implement meaningful, integrated learning experiences in the arts, music, drama and movement with other curriculum areas
b. Use creative transitions with children
c. Adapt music, movement, visual arts and dramatic play to meet the needs of children with special needs

NAEYC Standards
All coursework in ACC’s Child Development Department include student learning opportunities and outcomes that address the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation in Associate Degree Programs.  The Standards intentionally cover areas of professional preparation that are required to be sure that all young children will receive the kind of early education they need and deserve. 
Although Child Development courses may cover many of these Standards, each course concentrates more on specific Standards.  Creative Arts for Early Childhood concentrates on the student learning objectives described below in Standards 1, 3b, 4b, 4c and 4d.
 

STANDARD 1: PROMOTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
1a: Knowing and understanding young children’s characteristics and needs
1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on development and learning
1c: Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.

STANDARD 3:  OBSERVING, DOCUMENTING, AND ASSESSING TO SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
3b: Knowing about and using observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools

STANDARD 4:  TEACHING AND LEARNING
4b: Knowing, understanding, and using effective approaches, strategies, and tools for early education
4c:  Knowing and understanding the importance, central concepts, inquiry tools, and structures of content areas or academic disciplines
4d: Using own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum to promote positive outcomes

SCANS Competencies
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) competencies covered in this course are: Identifying, organizing, planning and allocating resources (Resources); acquiring and using information (Information); thinking creatively, making decisions, solving problems, visualizing, knowing how to learn and reasoning (Thinking Skills); reading, writing, performing arithmetic and mathematical operations, listening and speaking (Basic Skills); displaying responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity, and honesty (Personal Qualities)

FieldWork/Lab Policies

Lab/Field Work Policy
This course requires 4 hours per week for 12 weeks (48 hours for the semester) working directly with young children (field/lab experiences). Students must complete their lab experiences at the ACC Children’s Lab School or at their place of employment, if appropriate. Students completing their lab hours at their workplaces are highly encouraged to complete at least 1/3 of their lab hours (16 hours) at the ACC Children’s Lab School.

Students mustsuccessfully complete at 40 hours to receive credit for this course. Successful completion includes a satisfactory final evaluation of your lab/field work site. Ten points will be deducted from the final gradefor each hour less than the required 48 hours.


Lab/Field Work Eligibility
Students enrolled in child development courses must be eligible for field experiences. To be eligible to participate in field experiences, students must meet the eligibility criteria of the Child Development Department’s Eligibility for Field Experiences Policy. The Child Development Department’s policy reflects the standards established by both:

  • The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which is explained in the catalog and onthe Austin Community College Children’s Lab School Criminal Conviction Statement for Child Development Lab Students,

and

  • Criteria set by the Austin Independent School District for volunteer eligibility, whichprohibits anyone with a felony within the last five years for offenses involving moral turpitude(acts that are generally considered morally or ethically wrong, including crimes that involve dishonesty, fraud, deceit, theft, and misrepresentation) or offenses involving drugs and /or alcohol that are ineligible for participation in field experiences/lab word in a childcare center under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.


Criminal History Statement
Because of the criteria for child care center volunteers established by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers, students will be required to complete a criminal history statement and a notarized affidavit the first day of class before they begin their lab/field work. The special requirements are discussed in the Child Care and Development section of the ACC Catalog http://www.austincc.edu/cataloghtml/

This criminal history statement may be submitted for verification of the information provided.  Failure to accurately report the information required by Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers will result in withdrawal from this course and possible withdrawal from Austin Community College.  Students are also required to complete and return the confirmation of field placement form.  Students who wish to be placed in a public school setting must complete the “Criminal History Record Information Authorization”.

Students who are determined as ineligible for field experiences under Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) criteria will need to work with the Child Department Chair, the Lab School Director and TDFPS to complete a risk assessment.  This typically takes a few months to complete and should be begun the semester before taking a child development course.

Students who are ineligible for field experiences due to current, prior or pending felony charges within the last 5 years that are offenses of moral turpitude must obtain departmental approval prior to enrollment in child development courses. The student will meet with the Child Development Chair and the Lab School Director to discuss the student’s situation.  Factors such as the nature of the offense and a pattern of offenses will be reviewed. A student ineligible for field experiences under offenses of moral turpitude may apply for departmental approval prior to enrolling in classes or during the first week of the semester. 

If the student chooses to obtain departmental approval during the first week of semester, it is possible that he or she may be asked to withdraw from their child developmental courses.

If any criminal record with a felony, including a pending felony charge, is returned as a result of a criminal background, the student will be withdrawn from child development courses. A student who willfully misrepresents the information on these forms will be withdrawn immediately from all Child Development coursework requiring laboratory experiences in a child care setting and may be subject to the ACC student disciplinary policy outlined in the Austin Community College Student Handbook.


Lab/Field Work Expectations
Student lab time is a critical component for the learning experience, so it is important to use this time wisely.  In Creative Arts for Early Childhood, students will focus on developing creative activities for the classroom.  The supervising teacher is aware of these expectations and will assign students appropriate duties. To pass 1458, students must complete the lab for this course.

The first task will be to get to know the children and the classroom routines and expectations.  For the first week, more time will be spent in observing and getting to know the children.  However, students can “jump in right away” if needed or it seems appropriate.

For this course, lab student participation expectations are 40% observation, 40% participation in classroom activities and 20% implementing pre-approved creative classroom activities planned by the student.

To successfully complete the lab portion of Creative Arts students are expected to:

o   Demonstrate the behaviors required in Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Care Centers and noted on the “Child Development Department Lab and Field Work Agreement.”

o   Follow the policies and procedures of the lab placement site.

o   Complete at least 40 of the 48 required hours.

o   Arrive on time and be prepared for activities – call if you will be late or absent

o   Reschedule any missed lab time

o   Communicate ideas, feelings and opinions respectfully and with the appropriate staff member

o   Use the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct as your guide for solving problems

o   Accept feedback with an open attitude and a willingness to incorporate suggestions and ideas discussed

o   Work cooperatively as a member of the teaching team

o   Always keep your focus on the children

o   Earn a “pass” grade for lab observations and activities

  • Demonstrate the following attitudes when relating to the children:  enthusiasm about teaching and children, patience, warmth, responsibility, and curiosity about the children’sinterests.
  • Listen to children with respect and attention, providing them with as much time as possible to express him/herself.
  • Preplan with the classroom teacher for any assigned activities.
  • Thoroughly and appropriately plan activities.
  • Ensure that the materials and experiences provided for the children are developmentally appropriate.
  • Be aware of the objectives or concepts involved in your planned activities and use them when facilitating the activities.
  • Prepare learning centers or activities as assigned by your supervising teacher or required for a lab assignment.
  • Facilitate learning center activities and supervise small groups of children as assigned by your supervising teacher.
  • Have materials set and ready to go for the children at the appropriate times.
  • Introduce the activities in motivating and understandable ways.
  • Be flexible to children’s different or unexpected uses of materials.
  • Use creative and open-ended questions.
  • Clean-up activity area thoroughly upon completion of activity.
  • Maintain the classroom schedule, goals and rules.
  • Maintain the children’s safety at all times.
  • Work effectively with both large and small groups of children using appropriate guidance techniques as needed.


Grading

Lab/fieldwork
You must complete at least 40 of the required 48 lab hours to receive credit for this course.

Course Requirements

Lab/Field Work
This course requires 48 hours for the semester working directly with young children (field/lab experiences). Students must complete their lab experiences at the ACC Children’s Lab School or at their place of employment, if appropriate. Students completing their lab hours at their workplaces are highly encouraged to complete at least 1/3 of their lab hours (13 hours) at the ACC Children’s Lab School.

Students must successfully complete at least 40 hours to receive credit for this course. Successful completion includes a satisfactory final evaluation of your lab/field work site. Ten points will be deducted from the final grade for each hour less than the total required hours.

Class Participation
Students will be graded on some in-class participation work. Pop quizzes may be substituted for class participation points. A variety of instructional methods will be used in this lecture/lab course - possibilities include small and large group discussions, brainstorming, role-play, debates, demonstrations, games, case studies, group activity projects, and hands-on class participation activities.

Tests
There will be 1 take-home test that will apply the concepts learned in class, lab/field work and assignments.

Assignments
Students will plan and implement 3 lab activity assignments: Visual Arts, Dramatic Play and Creative Movement/Music in early childhood classrooms Students will complete 1 project: Creative Activities Group Project (design and create a model of a creative early childhood classroom and collect a resource file  of creative activities) Students will complete 5 Artist’s Dates assignments - independent homework to spark adult curiosity, creativity and sense of wonder. 

Grade Requirements for Child Development Majors
Students majoring in Child Development must receive a “C” or above in this course to receive credit for the course in the Child Development Certificate or Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students may retake this course for a higher grade.

Incomplete Grade
An incomplete will be assigned only if: extenuating circumstances prevent a student from completing the class, the student is making satisfactory progress, and has completed at least half of the assignments, tests and fieldwork.

Grading

3 Activities 50 x 3 = 150
Group Project 50
Home Exam 100
Artist's Date 50
Class Participation 50
Total 400

*** A minimum of 40/48 lab hours completed with passing lab evaluation (Pass or Fail)
-10 points deducted for every hour less than 48 hours

Final grades will be based on the following:

A = 360-4oo points

B = 320-359 points

C = 280-319 points

D = 240-279 points

F = 239 points and below

Readings

Textbook:    Mayesky, M. (2012). Creative activities for young children, 10th Edition, New York: Thomson, Wadsworth Cengage Learning. 

Course Subjects

Date Topic Reading Assignments
 8/27

  Introduction
  Make nametags
  Lab placement forms

  Syllabus
  First day handouts

 9/3   Labor Day Holiday
 9/10   Creativity and Aesthetics
  Field Placement Contracts (if clear      
  criminal background check)
  Chapters 1-4
 9/17

  Creative Activities and Environments

  Chapters 5 - 8
   Appendices D, F & H
 9/24

  A Multicultural and Anti-Bias View

  Chapters 24 & 25
  Visual Arts
 10/1

  Art and Development
  Discuss Activity Pre-Approval Proposal

  Chapters 9-11
  Appendix C
 10/8

  Basics for Art Activities
  Discuss Activity Pre-Approval Proposal

  Chapter 12
 10/15

 Two-Dimensional Art Activities

  Chapter 13
  Appendix E
 10/22   Three-Dimensional Art Activities
  Mid-term evaluations from lab school
  Chapter 14
  Appendix E
  Dramatic Play & Puppets
 10/29   Dramatic Play   Chapters 15 & 18
  Appendix B
 11/5   Puppetry   Chapters 15 & 18
  Appendices B & G
  Creative Movement & Music
 11/12   Creative Movement   Chapter 16
  Appendices A & E
 11/19   Creative Music   Chapter 17
  Appendix E
 11/26   Integrating Creative Experiences:
  Science, Mathematics & Food
  Chapters 19-21
 12/3   Integrating Creative Activities:
  Social Studies, Health & Safety
  Teacher TRAC books
  Chapters 22 & 23
 12/10   Summary  

*** All assignments must be turned in by Dec 3 to get a grade for this course.***

Course Policies

Attendance
Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis and to be punctual.  Attendance at each lecture is highly recommended, since so much material will be covered in class. Class attendance assures that students will receive class material and hear announcements in a timely fashion. If students are absent, it is their responsibility to get any notes/materials that they missed. Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of classes until the last withdrawal date. Students are allowed 4 absencesuntil the final day towithdraw. The professor will complete a withdrawal form for any student after the 5th absence. Students will sign in as they arrive for each class to document their attendance. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.


Withdrawal
Students may withdraw anytime prior to the “last day to withdraw”.  If it becomes necessary for students to drop the course,it is the student’s responsibility to obtain a withdrawal form from Admissions and Records, complete the form, return the completed form in order to officially withdrawand verifyhis/her name is removed from the roll – keep a copy for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

For location of Admissions and Records offices and more information about course withdrawal: http://www.austincc.edu/support/admissions/changing.php

Withdrawal courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of W. Until a student is officially withdrawn, the student remains on the class roll and may receive a grade of F for the course. Students are responsible for understanding the impact withdrawing from a course may have on financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status and academic standing. Students are urged to consult with the instructor or an advisor before making schedule changes.

Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in fall 2007 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exceptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having to count it toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses; contact an advisor or counselor for assistance.


“Third attempt" course tuition
Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in fall 2007 or later at any Texas college or University may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than 6 courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exceptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having to count it toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses: contact an advisor for assistance.  Any student taking a class for the third time or more may be charged an additional amount per credit hourunless exempted. It is called the Rule of Three or Third Course Attempt.


Communication
All ACC students have a personalized ACCmail address. This address will be used to send field placement information and general class communication this semester. Information about ACCmail can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/faq.php


Instructional Methodology
A variety of instructional methods will be used in this lecture/lab course - possibilities include lectures, guest speakers, small and large group discussions, online discussions, brainstorming, video or DVD, role-play, debates, demonstrations, games, case studies, group activity projects, hands-on class participation activities and a variety of readings, lab/field work and assignments to be completed outside of class.


Academic Freedom of Expression 

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate honestly in class discussions.  In any instructional situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many different viewpoints. These differences can enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where all will be encouraged to think and to learn. It is expected that professor and students will respect each other’s views when they are expressed during classroom discussions and activities, even if they differ substantially, especially on volatile and sensitive topics.

Professional Ethics

  • Lecture discussions and written work

It is important that students feel free, during lecture, to talk about their concerns.  In sharing these concerns, students can evaluate and discover effective solutions for their concerns. Any information shared during discussions or in written work will be considered confidential and will not be shared or discussed outside of class – confidentiality will be maintained at all times for all children and families who allow our observations and fieldwork.

  • Code of Ethical Conduct

    Students are expected to maintain professional ethics while in this course. It is mandatory foreach student to fulfill his/her professional responsibility to review and carefully adhere to the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct available at:
    http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions/PSETH05.asp


Classroom Etiquette
There are certain expectations of students attending a class at ACC or any other college.  These expectations are necessary to have an environment where everyone can learn and participate. 

These are:

  • When someone else is talking, there should be no other conversations. Listening while others speak, shows respect for the person talking as well as the other students.
  • Doing homework or other assignments during class is not allowed, as it prevents the student from being actively involved in the class activities.
  • Cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices must be silenced during class; turn off sound before class begins.  It is difficult to concentrate when cell phones and pagers interrupt class with their electronic noise. If students have a special circumstance, students should discuss it with the professor before class begins.  If an electronic device rings during class the student will lose 2 points off his/her final grade.  It is never okay to text or to make phone calls or text during class.


Students with Disabilities
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) office on each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities to access reasonable accommodations. To request reasonable accommodations, students must submit appropriate diagnostic documentation to the OSD supervisor at the primary campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students attending multiple campuses must meet with the OSD supervisor at each campus where accommodations are needed. Students are encouraged to apply for accommodations at least three weeks before the start of each semester. http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/


Academic Integrity and Scholastic Honesty

“Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression. For purposes of these regulations, academic work is defined as, but not limited to exams and quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; papers; classroom presentations; and homework. When students borrow ideas, wording or organization from another source, they shall reference that information in an appropriate manner.”

ACC Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/admrule/1.04.006.htm


Student Discipline Policy
Students are expected to follow the policies of this course and those outlined in the ACC Student Handbook. Failure to comply with policies may result in loss of course credit for assignments and may result in withdrawal from this course. http://www.austincc.edu/admrule/1.04.006.htm


Communication
All ACC students have a personalized ACCmail address. This address will be used to send field placement information and general class communication this semester.

Information about ACCmail can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/faq.php


Safety Statement
Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, ACC asks that students become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note, students are expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.