Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›
by Robert Pankowecki
Creative & Artistic Expression

Expressing ideas, emotions, and experiences through visual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and imaginative thinking.

Sources (8)
  • UK EYFS (Expressive Arts & Design)
  • Reggio Emilia (100 Languages)
  • Waldorf/Steiner
  • Montessori (Cultural Studies)
  • Gardner (Musical, Spatial Intelligence)
  • Singapore NEL (Aesthetics & Creative Expression)
  • Finland ECEC (Diverse Forms of Expression)
  • E.D. Hirsch
5 Subdomains
Visual Arts › Music & Rhythm › Dance & Expressive Movement › Dramatic Play & Imagination › Creative Thinking & Innovation ›
Dance & Expressive Movement

Using the body to express feelings, ideas, and responses to music through structured and free movement.

Examples & Achievements

  • Moves expressively to different types of music
  • Imitates animal or character movements during play
  • Creates a simple movement sequence (2-3 moves)
  • Participates in group dances or circle games
  • Expresses emotions through body movement

How to Measure

  • Participates willingly in group movement activities
  • Creates a 2+ step movement sequence and repeats it
  • Matches movement quality to music mood (flowing for gentle music, stomping for loud)
  • Teacher observation of expressive movement range
Sources (4)
  • Waldorf (Eurythmy)
  • EYFS
  • Finland ECEC
  • Gardner

Childhood Map › Creative & Artistic Expression

Dance & Expressive Movement

Using the body to express feelings, ideas, and responses to music through structured and free movement.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources