Benefits of dance for early literacy and development

When children dance, they use their whole body to explore movement, develop body awareness and concentration. Play through movement and rhythm lays the groundwork for important skills needed for early literacy and learning. 

International Dance Day takes place each year on the 29th of April and is organised by the International Dance Council, which is part of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).  The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of dance across the world, bridging cultural, political and language barriers by bringing people together through the medium of dance.  

Your little one doesn’t have to be enrolled in formal dance classes to enjoy the benefits of dance and movement. When children explore dance in a safe environment they can experience both physical and non-physical benefits, whether free styling to The Wiggles or performing a set routine like the 2 year old from the show ‘So you think you can dance.’  

Dancing assists children to self-regulate which helps to develop spatial awareness, essential for moving safely in their environment. Experimenting with a broad range of movements helps to improve a child’s balance which supports their concentration and learning skills. Using their imagination to create movements or when recalling a set of steps prepares a child’s body for quick responses and uses higher order thinking (cognitive skills related to reasoning, decision-making, problem solving, and thinking).  

There are many ways to encourage your little one to dance, even when at home.  When a child observes their parent dancing, they learn to explore gestures and facial expressions which are part of more advanced communication. Dance-play activities with a parent encourages choice and individual expression. For example, using a scarf as a play resource with your child can help to tell you their interests. Your child may use the scarf to initiate acting out different animal movements such as a long swishing tail of a horse, wings or slither like a snake.  

Dancing outside on different surfaces can add extra challenges. Does a soft landscape at the beach or in the sand pit make it easy or tricky to move? What do they hear outside when using body shapes to balance and be still? Maybe they hear their breath, the sound of a car going past or a bird in the tree when still. Body shapes can also be a great way to express what they are seeing around them such as a trying to look like a pet or a big tree at the park. Repeating any dance-play activities helps children to build on ideas and become more confident. 

Children learn best by doing. International Dance Day is a wonderful opportunity for you and your little one to have fun while exploring their world through the art form of dance.  

Books that encourage dance and movement: 

• The fairy dancers by Natalia Jane Prior  
• I love me by Sally Morgan 
• Angelina at the palace by Katharine Holabird 
• Run like a rabbit by Alison Lester 
• Giraffes can’t dance by Giles Andreae