Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Daily Routines : Enhancing Waiting Time Through Art

Abstract

This developmental thesis portfolio explores innovative ways to integrate art into Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) routines, specifically during waiting times, transforming these moments into opportunities for a meaningful engagement. Building on the Finnish National Agency for Education (FNAE) guidelines and evaluations by the Finnish Education Evaluation Center (FINEEC), the study aimed to enhance children’s learning experience through art using the transition periods. The objectives of this developmental thesis include reimagining transition periods with art centered approaches, examining the effects and impact of art in children ages 2-5 and last is to develop practical guidelines and best practices for educators and caregivers. By fostering inclusion, diversity and holistic learning. This thesis empowers educators to turn downtime into enriching pedagogical opportunities, ensuring high quality learning environments for young children.

This is a developmental based thesis presented in a portfolio form on Bulb. The contents of this thesis are public. This thesis explores the link between the role of art education in children’s development and holistic growth and creative practice. The key output of this report is the Peda Koru, a pedagogical tool designed to enhance children’s waiting times in ECEC settings. It can be concluded that the Peda Koru presented an invaluable reception while nurturing a child’s creativity, gross motor skills development, cognitive skills, and emotional wellbeing. This thesis supports the educator’s work in creating a more engaging and inclusive learning environment, while using art as its central theme.